IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 24, 2006--ExxonMobil Foundation today announced it will support two, month-long training programs to help improve the leadership skills of 48 women non-profit managers from 22 different developing countries.

The new grant will be used to provide the women scholarships to attend a training course in Mexico City or Washington, D.C., conducted under the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) for its 2006 Global Women in Management Program: Building Leaders for Development.

CEDPA's 30-year-old flagship capacity building training program develops a network of confident and highly skilled mid-career women with competencies in decision-making, leadership, business development and management to assume increased responsibilities and accountability in their communities. The course participants join a network of more than 5,000 CEDPA alumni who are working to improve communities in over 150 countries worldwide.

"ExxonMobil Foundation has demonstrated critical leadership in their support of women and girls," said Yolonda C. Richardson, president and CEO, CEDPA. "Their commitment will enable us to reach a larger network of women working to improve their communities and nations around the world," said Richardson.

The first program of 2006 will be held in Mexico City, bringing together 24 participants from Mexico, Central and South America, Equatorial Guinea and Angola. The program, which utilizes local trainers, is being offered in Spanish to reach women leaders who would not otherwise participate in an English course. The program will also be offered in Washington, D.C., to another group of 24 women leaders, from more than 10 countries.

The 2006 courses build on the success of the 2005 program. "Last year, ExxonMobil Foundation sponsored 25 women leaders from community organizations in 18 developing countries to participate in the training program. They all shared a passion for improving their communities, and a commitment to strengthening women's leadership to help move their countries forward. We are proud to offer more women the opportunity to benefit from CEDPA's training," said Rex Tillerson, chairman and CEO, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM).

"I learned skills like fundraising and strategic planning that have been very useful," said Norma Munguia Aldaraca, a 2005 Global Women in Management Program participant from Mexico.

The grant to support the 2006 Global Women in Management Program is made as part of ExxonMobil Foundation's Educating Women and Girls Initiative. The Initiative was established in 2005 and builds on the company's longstanding support for education by making strategic contributions to support the education of women and girls in the communities where the company has a presence.

ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation engages in a broad range of philanthropic activities focusing on the communities where Exxon Mobil Corporation has significant operations. During 2005, ExxonMobil affiliates and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $133 million in charitable contributions and community investment worldwide.

Founded in 1975, CEDPA is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that improves the lives of women and girls in developing countries. CEDPA's global programs increase educational opportunities for girls, ensure access to lifesaving reproductive health and HIV/AIDS information and services, and strengthen women's leadership in their nations. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CEDPA has offices in Egypt, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa, and more than 5,000 alumni and partners in over 150 countries worldwide.

CONTACT: ExxonMobil
Dave Gardner, 972-444-1107
SOURCE: Exxon Mobil Corporation