College received more than $258,000 this year to support academics and student success
BAYTOWN, TX — Leaders from Lee College and ExxonMobil recently came together to celebrate more than 80 years of successful partnership, and recognize the company for contributing more than $258,000 this year to academic programs and student success initiatives that prepare students for long-lasting and well-paying careers in a growing industry.
ExxonMobil presented the college with three donation checks at a special luncheon held Friday, July 22, on the third floor of the Advanced Technology Center: $15,000 for the EnergyVenture summer camp hosted by the Center for Workforce and Community Development that gives middle school students the chance to explore energy industry careers; $118,500 in ExxonMobil Foundation educational matching funds that will be used for student success efforts; and $125,000 for technician training programs like process technology and instrumentation.
ExxonMobil’s investment in Lee College is vital to students who would otherwise be unable to afford tuition or other expenses without additional resources, said Pres. Dr. Dennis Brown. The difficulty of balancing the rigor of technical programs with work, family and other responsibilities is an obstacle that prevents many from completing their chosen degree or certificate.
“What you do for us, in so many ways, makes such a difference to so many students,” Brown said. “These students are training for lifetime careers that can help them create a better and brighter future for themselves and their families.”
Lee College administrators also noted that ExxonMobil’s support extends beyond the financial. The company offers students internships that give them practical work experience before graduation, and regularly sends its employees to campus to share insights and expertise with both students and faculty.
ExxonMobil has also hosted pre-employment testing on campus, and helps the college to build a pipeline of future skilled workers by participating in programs and activities designed to give K-12 students an early introduction to opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“We owe ExxonMobil so much for giving back to the community,” said Layton Childress, dean of Applied Sciences. “Our goal is to take what you’ve given us and expand on it.”
Woody Paul, manager of the ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant, said the company is proud of its longstanding relationship with Lee College and happy to invest in an institution centered on providing the high-quality education that its future employees will need to be successful.
“The passion, effort and caring that Lee College provides to its students is so effective,” Paul said. “You are equipping students to be successful in today’s world, and you are invaluable to us.”