WEST PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL''S AUTO ACADEMY RECEIVES GRANT FROM EXXONMOBIL FOUNDATION TO BUILD 100 MPG CAR OF THE FUTURE

$25,000 Grant Supports Philadelphia Academies, Inc.'s Program and Student X PRIZE Entry

WHO: U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah

Lisa J. Nutter, President, Philadelphia Academies, Inc.

Gerald W. McElvy, President, ExxonMobil Foundation

Students from West Philadelphia High School's Automotive Academy

WHAT: The road to success just got a little smoother for students in Philadelphia Academies, Inc.'s West Philadelphia High School Automotive Academy. A $25,000 contribution from ExxonMobil Foundation will aid the students in finalizing their entry in the international Progressive Automotive X PRIZE competition, where they are competing against automakers and innovators to design a viable, clean and super-efficient car that achieves 100 MPG.

On Monday, U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah and ExxonMobil Foundation President Gerald McElvy will meet student members of the West Philly Hybrid X Team, based at the West Philadelphia High School Academy for Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, as they unveil two under-production, super-fast, super fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles that could revolutionize the auto industry.

"Our support of the West Philly Hybrid X Team, their technology and innovation is a reflection of ExxonMobil's belief in the next generation of engineers, scientists and mathematicians," said Gerald McElvy. "The excitement, enthusiasm and determination of these students to find new energy efficient solutions is a sure sign that we will find the answers to questions that today we don't even know to ask. By supporting their creativity and energy, ExxonMobil knows there is no limit to what these students can do."

WHY: The students represent one of 111 teams from 25 U.S. states and 11 countries competing in the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, developed by the X PRIZE Foundation. At stake is a share in a $10 million purse.

The West Philly Hybrid X Team has designed, built and raced alternative fuel vehicles for 10+ years. Their Hybrid K-1 Attack earned them bragging rights as the first-place finisher on the national Tour De Sol Race in 2002, 2005 and 2006.

WHEN: 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 14

WHERE: West Philadelphia High School Auto Annex

221 S. Hanson Street (between 48 and 49 street on Walnut)

Philadelphia, PA 19139

VISUALS: Academy students showcase green vehicles in the works. ExxonMobil Foundation representatives present a check for $25,000.

About Philadelphia Academies

Philadelphia Academies, Inc. is a nonprofit youth development organization that expands life and economic options for Philadelphia public school students through career-focused programming. Established 40 years ago, Academy programs now operate in 17 high schools and two middle schools, and include 14 career fields. The Academy for Automotive and Mechanical Engineering is a standalone 200-student annex of West Philadelphia High School. In 1998, the Academy launched an innovative Electric Vehicle Program, where students are engaged in hands-on in designing, building and competing with alternative fuel vehicles. www.academiesinc.org or www.evxteam.org.

About ExxonMobil Foundation

ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation and the Corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels. Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education, promote women as catalysts for economic development, and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2008, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $225 million in contributions worldwide, of which more than $89 million was dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil''s community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.