Exxon Mobil provides $1.7 million in departmental grants, SU receives $27,000

Exxon Mobil recently announced that $1.7 million has been contributed in departmental grants to 87 colleges and universities throughout the country to support various academic programs.
Through this program, Southern University will receive $27,000 from the company.
When asked, why SU was chosen to receive this grant, Habib Mohamadian, dean of the College of Engineering said, “Southern University is among the top African-American colleges (and) leading producer in technology and engineering.”
Mohamadian said even with the department’s advancements, its still not leading the race when compared to other engineering schools in the country.
The number of African-Americans in engineering is approximately 5 percent below the national average, he said.
According to officials with Exxon Mobil, funds were disbursed to universities based on the amount of students within the department, and the amount of students in the field and being recruited into the professional market.
The Departmental Grants Program represents only a portion of Exxon Mobil’s overall support of education.
In 2005, the Exxon Mobil Foundation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its division and affiliates provided $42 million in contributions to educational initiatives worldwide.
According to a press release, the grants allow selected academic departments to allocate money for various educational purposes including scholarships, field trips, visiting speakers, equipment purchases, students and faculty travel to academic-related activities and other educational projects.
Exxon Mobil awards the grants based on schools that offer degrees in subjects from which it recruits employees.
“Exxon Mobil is proud to provide support to Southern University which will help enhance departments whose academic focus aligns with the workforce needs of Exxon Mobil,” said Amy Patton, global recruiting organizer for Exxon Mobil.
While Exxon Mobil recruits for students in this field Mohamadian encourages prospective students to follow through.
“This is a great opportunity and involves high employment for engineers and industrial workers,” Mohamadian said. “This program is something that students will need and benefit them in the long run.”