2016 Math and Science Scholars Named in Urban Schools
Council of the Great City Schools Awards ExxonMobil Bernard Harris
Scholarships
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Four graduating high school seniors have been selected by the Council
of the Great City Schools (CGCS) to receive the 2016 ExxonMobil
Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship. They were chosen from
several hundred applicants across the nation for their academic
performance, leadership qualities and community involvement.
Now in its seventh year, the scholarship was created by former NASA
astronaut Dr.
Bernard Harris Jr., the first African American to walk in space, and ExxonMobil
to encourage and assist promising students of diverse backgrounds who
plan to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies
after high school.
The awards are given annually to African-American and Hispanic seniors
from high schools in the 70 urban school districts represented by CGCS.
“These highly competitive scholarships give talented urban students a
boost in their pursuit of postsecondary STEM studies and careers,” said
Michael Casserly, executive director, Council of the Great City Schools.
“The generous support of Dr. Harris and ExxonMobil helps advance these
young men and women as they begin the next stage of their lives.”
Each scholar will receive $5,000 for continued education in a
STEM-related field. This year’s award winners are:
- Michael Benben, Western High School, Broward County (FL) Public Schools
-
Francesca Rafaella Dupuy, Cooper City High School, Broward County (FL)
Public Schools -
Eillen Daniela Martinez, Timber Creek High School, Orange County (FL)
Public Schools -
Dalan Omar Smallwood, Strawberry Crest High School, Hillsborough
County (FL) School District
In the fall, Benben plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology
and aspires to major in mechanical engineering. Dupuy will be studying
environmental engineering at the University of Florida. Martinez hopes
to become a doctor and will attend Johns Hopkins University, while
Smallwood, who will study biophysics and also has aspirations to be a
physician, will attend the University of North Carolina.
“Reading the achievements and aspirations of these young people is truly
inspirational,” said Dr. Harris. “It’s my hope that the scholarships
they receive will propel them to a future of fulfilling their dreams.”
Administration of the scholarship program, including the application
process, pre-selection and presentation of awards, is provided by the
CGCS. Dr. Harris makes the final selection of recipients.
About The Council of the Great City Schools
The Council of the Great City Schools is the only national organization
exclusively representing the needs of urban public schools. Composed of
70 large city school districts, its mission is to promote the cause of
urban schools and to advocate for inner-city students through
legislation, research and media relations. The organization also
provides a network for school districts sharing common problems to
exchange information, and to collectively address new challenges as they
emerge in order to deliver the best possible education for urban youth. www.cgcs.org
About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas
company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing
energy needs. ExxonMobil engages in a range of philanthropic activities
that advance education, with a focus on math and science in the United
States, promote women as catalysts for economic development, and combat
malaria. In 2015, together with its employees and retirees, ExxonMobil,
its divisions and affiliates, and the ExxonMobil Foundation provided
$268 million in contributions worldwide. Additional information on
ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contribution 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, 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
Contacts
Council of the Great City Schools
Henry Duvall, 202-393-2427
hduvall@cgcs.org
