FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2010

BP today announced that the BP Foundation will award $2.25 million in grants over a three-year period to six Louisiana colleges and universities. The grants will support math and science enrichment programs, as well as scholarships and curriculum enhancement for technical programs that provide training for jobs in the oil and gas industry.

"We believe in the power of partnerships in the communities in which we operate," said Lamar McKay, chairman and president of BP America. "Our investment will offer students the skills necessary to enter and succeed in the local workforce. We are particularly pleased that we have been able to join with so many Louisiana colleges and universities to make the program possible."

Secondary education institutions identified to receive grants include: Delgado Community College; Dillard University; Fletcher Technical Community College; Southern University and A&M College; Sowela Technical Community College; and, Xavier University of Louisiana.

"As chair of the Senate Small Business Committee and lifelong advocate for education, it's my belief that education is everyone's business, and I welcome this opportunity to celebrate the BP Foundation's collaboration with Louisiana colleges and universities, said Senator Mary Landrieu.  "We are honored that BP chose Houma as the location for their consolidated Gulf of Mexico training operations, and appreciative of their continued investment in our workforce.  Our collective future depends on the vitality of this community.  I look forward to meeting the challenges of tomorrow together."

Xavier, Dillard and Southern universities will conduct intensive science and math summer enrichment camps for high school students. Sowela, Fletcher and Delgado community colleges will receive grants to provide student scholarships and to enhance curriculum leading to an associate degree in technology-related fields.

"Louisiana's oil and gas industry has provided good-paying jobs for our workers for decades," said Congressman Charlie Melancon.  "Forward-thinking initiatives like the BP Foundation grants to our colleges and universities will prepare the next generation of Louisiana workers to succeed in this increasingly high-tech field.  I thank the BP Foundation for showing their confidence in the future of our state and its young people with this significant investment in their education."

Annual grant awards to institutions range from $50,000 to $275,000 per year.

"We are delighted at BP's generosity in supporting our programs and the students who will participate in them," said Joe D. May, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. "This kind of support will better help our students excel in school and life by preparing them for careers in the oil and gas industry."

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Louisiana's Workforce Solution: The Louisiana Community and Technical College System enrolls more than 60,000 students at its institutions throughout the state. Providing a Day One Guarantee, our colleges strive to direct the high demand, industry-sensitive training our State needs. We focus on workforce and economic development, and on improving the quality of life of Louisiana’s citizens through educational programs offered at our 50 campus locations. Our System colleges include: Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Delgado Community College, L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College, Louisiana Delta Community College, Nunez Community College, River Parishes Community College, South Louisiana Community College, SOWELA Technical Community College, and the Louisiana Technical College, with campuses in eight regions throughout the state.