In a landmark move for educational development, global energy giant ExxonMobil has unveiled a comprehensive decade-long initiative valued at US$100 million to revolutionize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education throughout Guyana. The announcement was formally made by ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods during a high-profile dinner event at the Guyanese State House, the official presidential residence, on Monday evening.
The ambitious program, designed to span ten years, will fundamentally reshape Guyana’s educational infrastructure by implementing multiple strategic projects targeting both students and educators. Central to the initiative is the establishment of an extensive teacher training framework for secondary-level mathematics and science instruction, developed through a collaborative partnership with Guyana’s Ministry of Education and the University of Guyana.
A cornerstone of the project involves creating a nationwide network of specialized STEM centers dedicated to hands-on learning experiences for teenagers and young adults. The inaugural facility is scheduled for construction at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus in Georgetown, with completion targeted for the 2028-2029 timeframe. This center will emulate a successful model previously observed by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali during his visit to Houston, Texas, last year.
President Ali emphasized the critical importance of adhering to the 2028 completion deadline during his address, noting that trainer and facilitator development would commence almost immediately. The president highlighted that situating the center within a university environment would provide younger students with early exposure to campus life while significantly elevating the quality of STEM education nationwide.
The high-level event, broadcast via delayed livestream on the president’s official Facebook platform, gathered government ministers, private sector representatives, senior military and police officials, ExxonMobil executives, and diplomatic personnel from the United States Embassy.