IRVING, Texas, Oct 29, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Education professionals in South Carolina are becoming increasingly savvy at finding new resources to help bring innovative learning tools and ideas into the classroom. Teachers and school officials at thousands of kindergarten through twelfth grade schools in the United States have found a program that helps to meet their needs, the Educational Alliance Program.

Public and private schools in South Carolina have received $40,000 through Educational Alliance program this year. Eighty (80) grants in the amount of $500 each were awarded to a school nominated by local Exxon- or Mobil-branded service stations.

"Contributions from initiatives like the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Program make a significant impact on schools across the nation," said Dr. Yvonne Freeman, Executive Director of SECME, Inc., a nationwide educational outreach consortium that encourages young people towards careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. "Business-education partnerships provide critical resources to educators that raises the level of excellence necessary to inspire student achievement."

Educational Alliance grants are flexible, allowing school officials to apply the money where the needs are greatest. The needs of rural area schools are often different than the needs of inner city or suburban schools.

In 2003, schools requested Educational Alliance grants for a wide variety of programs and equipment. Grants helped support art, reading, language and cultural programs. Equipment for computers, science laboratories, sports, and music classes were also funded with grants.

"Educational Alliance is one of our most popular programs among our service station owners and operators," said Mark Shores, U.S. retail sales director for ExxonMobil. "They understand the importance of education and being an active community member."

The $2 million Educational Alliance program provides 4,000 grants annually and is one of many educational programs that ExxonMobil supports around the world. Numerous grants, scholarships, employee volunteers and matching gift programs help to improve the quality of education from kindergarten through college.

SOURCE: Exxon Mobil Corporation

ExxonMobil
Jeanne Miller, 703-846-4467

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