Bernard Harris, ExxonMobil Expand 2008 Summer Science Camps to 25

Former U.S. astronaut Bernard Harris and the ExxonMobil Foundation announced today an expansion of the annual ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps, which will enable more middle school students to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Twenty-five two-week residential camps will run from June through August and involve 1,200 students from across the country. The 2007 program involved 20 camps hosting more than 900 students from 547 schools located throughout 12 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, about 75 teachers received professional development for their efforts to support the camps. "Increasing student proficiency in math and science is essential,” said Rex Tillerson, chairman and chief executive of Exxon Mobil Corporation. "Experts predict more than 80 percent of jobs in the next decade will require these skills. Through the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps, our company is taking positive steps to meet the demands of the future. We are proud to support Dr. Harris in this endeavor.” Repeated studies have shown that the United States faces a critical shortage of engineers, scientists and other workers literate in math and science. ExxonMobil is supporting programs and organizations that focus on improving mathematics and science education from pre-school through higher education. The company also supports programs which increase the number of new highly trained mathematics and science teachers, provide professional development and training opportunities for teachers, and attract students to pursue science- and math-related courses in middle school, high school and college. "Through our partnership with ExxonMobil and the dedication of the U.S. colleges and universities, we are able to once again expand these meaningful summer programs that address the inquisitive nature of middle school students,” said Harris, the first African-American to conduct a space walk and a veteran of two space shuttle missions. Harris said students, who are academically qualified, genuinely interested in math and science and recommended by their teacher, can be rewarded with the opportunity to attend these fun and educational camps. "With the financial support we receive from ExxonMobil, the Harris Foundation is able to provide 100 percent scholarships to camp participants. The only thing our students must have is curiosity, hope and the determination to do well in school, fostered by the dream to reach for the stars. Our two-week camps provide the rest.” During camp, students attend daily classes in natural science, engineering, mathematics and technology, and are taught by faculty of participating universities and secondary classroom teachers. Activities include classroom study, experiments, individual/team/group projects, weekly field excursions and guest speakers who motivate students to fulfill their dreams. For more information about campus activities, student eligibility and selection criteria, please visit the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp website at www.theharrisfoundation.org. About ExxonMobil Foundation ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation and the Corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels. Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2006, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $139 million in contributions worldwide, of which $54 million was dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community. About The Harris Foundation Founded in 1998, The Harris Foundation is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas, whose overall mission is to invest in community-based initiatives to support education, health and wealth. The foundation supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and economically and/or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. The Education Mission of the Harris Foundation is to enable youth to develop and achieve their full potential through the support of social, recreational, and educational programs for grades K-12. Through two primary initiatives—the Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp and Dare to Dream—the foundation encourages math and science education, motivates youth to stay in school, fosters youth leadership and citizenship, as well as instills the values of responsibility, fairness and respect. To date, more than 3,500 K-12 students have participated and benefited from THF programs. www.theharrisfoundation.org Attachment: List of 2008 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp locations.   ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps 2008 University Locations   Bowie State University, Bowie, MD Central State University, Wilberforce, OH Florida International University, Miami, FL Howard University, Washington, D.C. Lamar University, Beaumont, TX New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ Northeastern University, Boston, MA Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY Southern University & A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK Temple University, Philadelphia, PA University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 1University of Houston, Houston, TX 1University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Washington University, St. Louis, MO 1 NOTE: The University of Houston and the University of New Orleans will host two camps.