Exxon Chief Executive Rex Tillerson said that the U.S. is suffering today in the competitive world of mathematics and science and will continue to struggle in the latter fields if no action is taken.

In response, the Exxon Mobile Corporation, with the help of matching government funds and various other generous benefactors, is paying students to pass Advanced Placement exams, especially math and science, in hopes of promoting interest in those respective fields.

While ingeniously motivating AP students with monetary offerings toward their secondary educational plans, our nation’s brightest prospects will continue to shine.

Select Texas students scoring a three or higher out of a possible five points on their AP exams receive $100 per passed test to use toward their college education in addition to possibly earning college credit.

Senior Amy Buckman is currently taking AP Calculus, AP English 12, AP Psychology and AP Biology. She will be putting her college-level knowledge to the test as she tackles four AP examinations before the school year comes to a close.

“I wish I got paid $100 for every AP test I pass,” Buckman said.

Unfortunately, Lake Central has yet to implement such a program. If one was implemented, however, the program would be met with surprising opposition from both students and teachers.

“I think [monetary incentives] are bad because being in those [AP] classes and doing well should be enough incentive,” junior Rachel Cerwinske said. “When [students] get into college, what are they going to do to get by when they don’t have that prize?”

Similar views are shared by AP English teacher Ms. Penny Tokoly.

“I do not believe students should be paid for earning a certain score on an AP test,” Ms. Tokoly said. “Having the opportunity to take an advanced course should be the payment for the student. If the student scores at a level that will earn college credit, he or she has received a bonus on top of the acquired knowledge.”

Here’s the problem with their arguments: In a perfect world, students would consider knowledge payment enough, but the truth is that AP students, teenagers, often times, sacrifice social lives, free time and hobbies to maintain their studies. They are not exactly spoiled in that respect. They need something to keep them going, and nothing better motivates a teenager than money.

According to the Advanced Placement Strategies Inc. located in Dallas, Texas, 1996 produced only 156 passing AP math and science test scores among the 10 participating Dallas schools. By 2007, however, the number skyrocketed to an astounding 877 passing scores.

“The concept is working as the jump came from ‘students who wouldn’t have taken the test anyway,’” president of Advanced Placement Strategies Inc. Gregg Fisher said to MSN.com.

Whether one agrees with the method or not, monetary incentives are effective with no glaring flaws. The college educations of our most promising students are being funded, giving the U.S. the opportunity to climb the latter of international academic ascendancy.