Exxon and employees donate $10 million to Texas colleges, universities

IRVING, Texas – Exxon Mobil and its employees are donating $10 million to higher education institutions across Texas as part of the ExxonMobil Foundation’s 2014 Educational Matching Gift Program.

In 2014, Exxon Mobil employees, retirees, directors and surviving spouses contributed $2.9 million to 77 Texas colleges and universities, which was matched with $7.1 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 3:1 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 $568 million have been donated to American institutions of higher learning.

“Exxon Mobil employees care about education and make it an investment priority year after year,” said Suzanne McCarron, president of the ExxonMobil Foundation. “We are proud that the ExxonMobil Foundation has such a long and solid record in working to support education in the United States. Commitment to excellent education is not only important to our business but also ensuring the next generation is prepared to excel in the future.”

Nationwide, close to 900 institutions received $47 million through the 2014 Educational Matching Gift Program, an increase of $3 million over the prior year.

In addition to the Educational Matching Gift Program, Exxon Mobil and the ExxonMobil Foundation support and develop programs that encourage students, particularly women and minorities, toward careers in science, technology, engineering and math, as well as teacher training initiatives.