ExxonMobil has provided Midland Independent School District (MISD) with $90,000 to expand its robotics program to third-grade students.
According to a news release, the company also donated 70 laptops to support programming courses. The donation aims to enhance these courses by ensuring students have access to necessary tools for skill development. The robotics program seeks to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
"At ExxonMobil, we believe that investing in STEM education is investing in the future," said Keith Underwood, ExxonMobil’s Midland Production Manager. "By supporting MISD's third-grade robotics program, we hope to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. We are proud to contribute to a program that will empower the next generation of innovators."
The news release noted that expanding the robotics program will introduce young students to critical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering concepts at an earlier age. This initiative aims to build a strong foundation in STEM fields.
Jeff Horner, MISD executive director of Career & Technical Education (CTE), said that STEM components of LEGO robotics introduce entry-level programming concepts and allow students to work with logic control components. "This hands-on learning experience not only builds technical skills but also fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving—key competencies for future careers in STEM fields," he added.
Fatima Muñiz, MISD chief technology officer, said the laptops would go to students participating in programs requiring specialized computing capabilities and called it "a transformative investment in our students."