Today, in fields like medicine, computing and energy, the U.S. needs more brilliant young minds than ever before. Yet, as the need for brainpower grows, the number of our nation’s young people pursuing careers in these areas is decreasing. Fortunately, we believe this trend can be reversed, which is why we partnered with professional golfer Phil Mickelson and his wife Amy to launch the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in 2005.
Each summer, 600 third- through fifth-grade teachers from school districts across the country attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academies. The Academies offer a five-day program, with camps in New Jersey, Texas and Louisiana, designed to provide third- through fifth-grade teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to motivate students to pursue careers in science and math.
"As someone who uses math and science every day in my career, I recognize the importance of encouraging children’s interests in math and science and equipping educators with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the classroom," said Phil Mickelson. "The Academy is an opportunity for teachers to share best practices with colleagues and pick up tools to positively impact the science and math education students receive."
Two of the leading teacher-training organizations in the U.S., , founded by Marilyn Burns, and , design the curriculum, provide instructors and manage the daily activities and logistics of the Academy.
Invitations to attend the Academy are traditionally extended to school districts based on Phil Mickelson's PGA Tour schedule and major ExxonMobil work locations. In 2008, the Academy expanded the opportunities for third- through fifth-grade teachers to attend the 2009 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy by opening an application process for teachers from across the U.S. The program will continue in 2010. To learn more about how teachers can be nominated and apply, visit .