ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp Seeks Aspiring Scientists and Innovators for 2016 Program
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Program enters 11th year with continued focus on science,
technology, engineering and math education -
All-expenses-paid, two-week residential camps have benefited more than
19,000 underserved youth since program’s inception -
Students are encouraged to apply to one of 10 camps to be held on
college campuses nationwide
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp announced today that
it has opened its application process for students to participate in
summer sessions on college campuses around the country. For more than 10
years, the program has attracted rising and current middle-school
students who want to experience college life while learning about
science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
“Our camp is designed to offer students of promise the opportunity to
see what a career in STEM would be like,” said Dr. Harris, president of
The Harris Foundation. “Through this experience, we are helping build
the next generation of innovators.”
The program has been supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation, the primary
philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States.
“ExxonMobil has had a long standing commitment to inspire young people
to consider pursuing a STEM field as they think about their future
studies and long-term careers,” said Ben Soraci, president of the
ExxonMobil Foundation. “For more than a decade, Dr. Harris and his camps
have provided a unique program to bring STEM careers and experiences to
life while helping thousands of students learn the value of teamwork and
hone their problem-solving skills.”
Students are encouraged to apply to attend camp sessions at 10
universities in Alaska, Arkansas, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Future scientists and engineers will
take part in an all-expenses-paid experience working with camp founder
and former astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. and other STEM
professionals, in addition to ExxonMobil engineers, while living on a
college campus.
During the two-week camp, students participate in interactive,
project-based classes taught by university faculty, secondary school
teachers and STEM educators. Campers also have the opportunity to have a
first-hand look at science within their communities through museum
experiences and other local offerings. Additionally, students will hear
from professionals about exciting and diverse careers in STEM fields
that continue to fuel the economic growth of the United States.
Eligible applicants must be entering sixth, seventh or eighth grades in
the Fall of 2016. Additional information regarding application
requirements and camp-specific submission instructions are available at www.theharrisfoundation.org.
In 2016, camps will be hosted at the following universities:
| Lamar University (Beaumont, Texas) |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (Newark, New Jersey) |
| North Carolina Central University (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, New York) |
| Temple University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| University of Alaska Anchorage (Anchorage, Alaska) |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
| University of Houston (Houston, Texas) |
| University of Oklahoma (Norman, Oklahoma) |
| University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, Texas) |
Since 2006, more than 19,000 underserved students have participated in
this program. According to a 2015 Harris Foundation study of camp
alumni, 94 percent of graduating high school participants credit the
camp experience for impacting their decision to take STEM-related
honors, Pre-Advanced Placement and/or Advanced Placement classes in high
school; 96 percent plan to go to college; and 86 percent plan to pursue
a STEM-related career.
About The Harris Foundation
Founded in 1998, The Harris Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit
organization based in Houston, 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 the 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. The Harris Foundation believes
students can be prepared now for the careers of the future through a
structured educational program and the use of positive role models. More
than 50,000 students have participated and benefited from THF programs. www.theharrisfoundation.org
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 that
advance education, promote women as catalysts for economic development
and combat malaria. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports
initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher
education levels. In 2014, the ExxonMobil Foundation together with Exxon
Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates along with employees and
retirees, provided $279 million in contributions worldwide. www.exxonmobil.com/community
Contacts
for The Harris Foundation
Kim Quirk, 214-373-1601
