Exxon pumps $15M into Youth Corps STEM programme  

ExxonMobil has donated some $15M to the Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. (VYC) to fund the organisation’s Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education afterschool Programme for the 2020-21 school years in Guyana.

VYC said in a press release that the new commitment, is part of an ongoing cooperation between VYC and ExxonMobil. It will fund online programmes to reach children during COVID-related shutdowns. VYC then hopes to transition to hands-on afterschool lessons once the country returns to normalcy.

“VYC rose to the challenge of the pandemic-related shutdowns to connect students online via ZOOM or other platforms as well as provide laptops and other devices to students who did not have them. Teachers have been equipped to teach their classes online safely from their own homes,” the organisation said.  “Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. anticipates the programme will still be able to achieve its objective to improve the skills and general educational competence of high school students through exciting and fun ways,” VYC’s CEO, Goldie Scott said. Some 500+ high school students at 11 high schools, including VYC’s Academy in Georgetown, will benefit from the programmes in the upcoming school year. Since 2012, ExxonMobil has contributed more than GYD 74 million to VYC STEM afterschool education program. “ExxonMobil Guyana is proud to partner with VYC to enable Guyanese students to keep up with their lessons during these challenging times,” said Deedra Moe, Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Guyana. “Educating our youth develops the leaders of tomorrow, and STEM plays a critical role.” The Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. (VYC) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth through access to quality education and social services in Guyana.