Representatives from ExxonMobil came to Simpson County last Monday bearing gifts to support local schools.
ExxonMobil Public Engagement Lead Mike Smith and Senior Client Representative Randy Haddad were accompanied by Rep. Price Wallace and Sen. Andy Berry as they presented a $10,000 grant check to Simpson Academy.
Smith explained that the grant process is competitive, and the money is intended to help advance schools’ STEM programs. He said it is important for ExxonMobil to give back to the communities in which they operate. ExxonMobil is operating their pipeline network in Simpson County for the first time.
Smith said, “It was formerly the Denbury pipeline that people are familiar with. We are delighted as ExxonMobil to be in the county. At ExxonMobil we bring a lot to the communities where we operate and serve, one of those things being our STEM curriculum, and we’re here supporting schools in the area.”
Smith explained that ExxonMobil has partnered with Rice University to develop an outstanding STEM curriculum that provides great insight into how pipelines operate exposes students to careers in their industry. He also discussed some modern teaching tools being used, such as VR to simulate hands on experience.
Smith said, “On the academic side, supporting the STEM curriculum in all of our schools on the public and private side is important. We are just making sure that all children have an opportunity to experience some really next level style of STEM curriculum that hopefully will prepare them for the future and prepare them for the jobs of the future.”
In addition to supporting STEM programs in the area, Smith said ExxonMobil has emphasized training for first responders and firefighters.
He said, “We are actually looking to start for the first time a firefighter training program specific to pipelines at the Mississippi Fire Academy next year. We will be actively recruiting from this area for firefighters to attend and receive free training.”
Smith believes this will be a great opportunity for firefighters in the area and the training hours will count towards their continuing education.
