ExxonMobil to receive 2011 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of Geosciences

Alexandria, VA – ExxonMobil Corporation will receive the American Geological Institute (AGI) 2011 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Public Understanding of the Geosciences. The award will be presented at the AGI Past Presidents Dinner during the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Annual Convention in Houston on April 10.

"This award recognizes efforts to create greater public appreciation and knowledge of the role the geosciences play in our society," said Dr. Patrick Leahy, AGI Executive Director. "ExxonMobil, through its strong support of earth science outreach and education programs, is extremely deserving of this honor."

ExxonMobil supports many educational activities for the earth science community including K-12 teacher development workshops, such as the annual AGI Summer Leadership Academy, and traditional and online teaching materials available to all schools. ExxonMobil has also been a lead sponsor of Earth Science Week, ensuring quality earth science materials are distributed each year to schools, national parks, scouting clubs and other public organizations each year.

ExxonMobil encourages minority students to pursue geoscience careers through sponsorship of programs like the University of Texas GeoForce program for students in middle and high school, and AGI's Minority Participation Program, providing scholarships and mentoring programs for under-represented undergraduate and graduate level geoscience students.

"ExxonMobil's support of geoscience outreach and education programs helps the public understand the many ways the earth sciences touch their lives daily," said Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company. "We know our future employees are today's students who have access to quality earth science educational materials and have teachers who understand the geosciences."

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 49 geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment.

About ExxonMobil:
ExxonMobil is the world's largest publicly-traded international oil and gas company and uses technology and innovation to help meet the world's growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world.