The ExxonMobil Foundation donated $1.6 million to launch a pilot program in four New Orleans public high schools to help students prepare for college.
>The donation to Tulane University will establish a training and incentive program to increase participation in the Advanced Placement Program at four public high schools in Orleans Parish over the next five years, the company said.
“We are very proud to help offer this high-impact program to the students of New Orleans,” said Gerald McElvy, president of ExxonMobil Foundation. “Preparing students for college is critical to New Orleans, Louisiana and the nation. This program has the necessary tools and our partners have the necessary resources to make this a huge success.”
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform public education in New Orleans,” said Scott Cowen, president of Tulane University. “This generous gift from ExxonMobil hastens the day when our school system will serve as a model for other cities around the country.” Cowen accepted the donation on behalf of the Scott S. Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives at Tulane University.
The Cowen Institute will launch and provide ongoing oversight for the program with a full-time staff member and additional resources. Program support will be provided by the National Math and Science Initiative, a nonprofit launched in 2007 to help America regain its global leadership position in technological innovation. ExxonMobil was the founding sponsor of that initiative with a commitment of $125 million.
“We are thrilled that this outstanding program is launching in four New Orleans high schools,” said Recovery School District Superintendent Paul Vallas. “To have these highly trained teachers providing our students with the tools they need to get into college is a huge step forward for our education system.”
The Advanced Placement Program is administered by the College Board. It’s one of the leading programs available to prepare high school students for higher education. High school students who do well in AP classes and pass the AP Exam attain college level skills and have the opportunity to obtain college credits.