ExxonMobil and employees contribute $1.4 million to Virginia colleges and universities
- 33 institutions of higher learning in Virginia receive funds from 3:1 Educational Matching Gift Program
- Recipient organizations encouraged to support math and science initiatives
In 2015, ExxonMobil employees, retirees, directors and surviving spouses contributed $400,000 to 33 Virginia colleges and universities, which was matched with $1 million unrestricted grants from the ExxonMobil Foundation. Although grants are unrestricted, colleges and universities are encouraged to designate a portion to math and science programs supporting student engagement.
The program matches donor pledges on a 3:1 ratio up to $7,500 to qualified colleges and universities in the United States, along with the American Indian College Fund, Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the United Negro College Fund. Since the Educational Matching Gift Program began in 1962, more than $600 million has been contributed to American institutions of higher learning.
“Quality education is the foundation for individual opportunity and economic prosperity,” said Ben Soraci, president of the ExxonMobil Foundation. “We have a long history of supporting education excellence in the country. It’s a shared priority, year after year, with ExxonMobil employees.”
Nationwide, more than 850 institutions received $45.4 million through the 2015 Educational Matching Gift Program.
In addition to the Educational Matching Gift Program, ExxonMobil and the ExxonMobil Foundation support and develop programs that encourage students, particularly women and minorities, to consider and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, as well as teacher training initiatives.
About the ExxonMobil Foundation
The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) in the United States. The foundation and the corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities advancing education, with a focus on math and science in the United States, promoting women as catalysts for economic development and combating malaria. In 2015, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and the ExxonMobil Foundation provided $268 million in contributions worldwide. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contribution programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.
Public company information: NYSE:XOM