Media personality and author Tavis Smiley and ExxonMobil engineer Zeb Nash will headline the St. Louis “Talented Tenth High School Tour” presentation with 50 students at Beaumont High School on Friday, September 23.
The student leaders were selected to attend the event by their teachers and principals.
The motivational program will focus on leadership and the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Smiley will focus on the importance of math and science while teaching leadership principles and ExxonMobil will describe careers within the STEM areas.
“In order for America to maintain its competitive edge, it is imperative that we expose a greater number of students to engineering and other STEM-related fields,” president of ExxonMobil Foundation Gerald McElvy said.
The partnership between The ExxonMobil Foundation and the Tavis Smiley Foundation was designed to provide student enrichment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The tour encourages minority students who are not involved in traditional school activities to develop the skills needed to become leaders, specifically in the STEM career areas.
“I’ve often said that the key to success for young people begins with exposure to opportunities, education, and ideas. This tour represents that exposure,” Smiley said.
“It’s essential that we reach out to students at an early age, otherwise, America will lose its preeminence in math, science and technology. Communities and corporations need to encourage students to become tomorrow’s role models.”
Smiley is the host of Tavis Smiley on PBS and The Tavis Smiley Show on National Public Radio. Texas Southern University recently opened the Tavis Smiley School of Communications and The Tavis Smiley Center for Professional Media Studies, making Smiley the youngest African American to have a college or university professional school and center named in his honor.
ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. In 2004, ExxonMobil Foundation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, and its divisions and affiliates provided $106.5 million in contributions worldwide, with more than $40 million dedicated to education. For more information, visit www.exxonmobil.com.
The Tavis Smiley Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by Tavis Smiley to enlighten, encourage, and empower youth by providing leadership skills. For more information, visit www.youthtoleaders.org.