New US$100 million ExxonMobil- Guyana STEM initiative launched

ExxonMobil has launched a US$100 million science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education initiative in Guyana, focused on teacher training, hands-on learning opportunities for students, and career pathways.

The programme was launched in Guyana on Monday night, as the country observed its 56th Republic Anniversary. It spans a decade.

ExxonMobil Chief Executive Officer, Darren Woods, told a gathering at State House that this investment is meant to propel STEM education in Guyana.

Starting in September, the ExxonMobil Foundation will partner with the Ministry of Education, the University of Guyana, and the University of Houston to deliver Teacher STEM Training. Additionally, new STEM centres for students will be established; the first one will be developed at UG.

Finally, the initiative will also provide additional college and career readiness resources so students can see where STEM can take them. This includes pre-college math and science courses, college transition support, and mentoring and tutoring.

“Our goal is very simple: inspiring the next generation of Guyana’s engineers and scientists by working with the students and teachers who educate them,” Woods said.

Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali said this venture was crafted following his visit to a STEM centre in the US last year. He believes such initiatives, which focus on youth, are crucial to Guyana’s long-term development.

“In the course of this partnership (with ExxonMobil), we want to show the world a partnership that is strategic in every form,” President Ali said.