MEDIA ALERT

SCIENCE IS FOR NERDS? I DON'T THINK SO!
Camp Participants from Three D.C.-Area Universities to Converge at Howard University
Where Students Will Explore Math and Science with ExxonMobil Engineers

WHAT: Summer campers at Bowie State University, Howard University and The University of Virginia have ditched their skateboards and dropped their joysticks to spend two weeks at a free summer science camp. Local middle school youth are experiencing a different kind of vacation that includes summer fun, an opportunity to get ahead in school and a chance to experience college life.

As a part of the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp, students will compete as they attempt to build a raft to "Escape from Harris Island" with as many crew members and supplies as possible. They'll also conduct hands-on experiments, participate in highly interactive demonstrations and learn about engineering and other science careers with ExxonMobil engineers and scientists.

WHO: Dr. Bernard Harris, the first African American to walk in space, Patrick Elder, Gregory Williamson, Frank Kerze and Gregory M. Martin, Engineers, ExxonMobil, 150 middle school youth from camps at Bowie State, Howard University and The University of Virginia

WHEN: July 14, 2009, 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Howard University, Armour J. Blackburn University Center, 2397 Sixth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20059

VISUAL: Campers from Bowie State University, Howard University and The University of Virginia building rafts out of simple materials and sailing them across water in a thrilling competition.

WHY: Studies show that the United States is facing a critical shortage of engineers, scientists and other technically trained workers. To help address this crisis, former astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris and ExxonMobil are providing30free,two-week summer camps across the country that offer innovative mathematics and science programs to encourage middle school students to stay in school, develop their knowledge and foster their interest to eventually pursue careers in these fields.

CONTACT: Donald Claxton, 214-499-7968, Sunwest Communications