Four Urban Students Named 2017 Math and Science Scholars

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 2017 ExxonMobil
Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship. The students were chosen
from several hundred applicants in big-city school districts across the
nation for academic performance, leadership qualities and community
involvement.

Now in its eighth 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.

“ExxonMobil is helping to foster the next generation of STEM leaders,”
said Ben Soraci, general manager of Public and Government Affairs for
ExxonMobil. “These scholarships represent just one way we are
encouraging students of diverse backgrounds to pursue STEM-related
studies and careers.”

The awards are given annually to African-American and Hispanic seniors
from high schools in the 68 urban school districts represented by
Council.

“We are indeed proud of the winners in this highly competitive national
scholarship program,” said Council Executive Director Michael Casserly.
“These young men and women may become the leaders and innovators of
tomorrow thanks to the support of ExxonMobil and the encouragement of
Dr. Harris.”

Each scholar will receive $5,000 for continued education in a
STEM-related field. This year’s award winners are:

• Paul Davis, who attended Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in Kansas
  City, MO
• Diana Moreno, who attended Maxine L. Silva Health Magnet High School
  in El Paso, TX
• Caleb Myers, who attended Townview School of Science and Engineering
  in Dallas, TX
• Robin Ryce, who attended Renaissance High School in Detroit, MI

In the fall, Davis plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
to study aerospace engineering. Moreno will pursue a degree in
biochemistry at University of Texas El Paso. Myers plans to study
chemical/biomedical engineering at Prairie View A&M University, and Ryce
will study engineering at University of Michigan.

“I am consistently amazed and inspired by these students and their
eagerness to succeed,” said Dr. Harris, also a physician and president
and founder of The Harris Foundation. “Each of them will be such an
asset to the universities they attend and as future innovators in our
workforce. It’s an honor to help support them in their endeavors.”

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
68 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 to deliver the best possible education for urban youth. www.cgcs.org

About ExxonMobil

Exxon Mobil Corporation, 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 2016, together with its employees and retirees,
ExxonMobil, its divisions and affiliates, and the ExxonMobil Foundation
provided $242 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