The annual Arkema Inc. Science Teachers Program provides local teachers with tools for bringing science to life in the classroom. This program recognizes that, in today’s world, one of the best ways to set a child up for success is to provide a strong science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Employment in STEM occupations is growing twice as fast as in non-STEM occupations, and the average wage in STEM occupations is nearly double that in non-STEM occupations. These statistics, from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, underscore the need to help prepare students to compete in these fields.
The Arkema Science Teachers Program has been offered by many Arkema sites across the United States for more than two decades. Under the program, each participating site hosts a small group of local middle school teachers (grades 3-6) for multiple days.
Each participating teacher is able to select a science kit that contains teaching aids and tools related to a specific topic. Each kit includes materials and instructions for classroom science demonstrations that engage students and bring concepts to life.
This year, the Calvert City, Ky. site hosted six teachers on June 27 – 29, 2017. Teachers attending were Bethany Lyles and Debbie McCully (Marshall County Central Elementary), Kelly Chiles and Elizabeth Tilford (Reidland Middle School), and Andria Thompson and Tiffany Williams (Graves County Central Elementary). Across the country, 17 Arkema sites are hosting teachers, giving priority to applicants from lower income school districts that need the most support.
“We enjoyed spending time with the teachers and hearing about their classroom challenges,” said Rhea Ann Phillips, who is coordinating the program for Arkema’s Calvert City site. “This is always a rewarding program for us and we hope it makes a difference during the coming school year. The teachers get new approaches and materials they can bring back to the classroom in the coming school year.”
During the program, teachers interact with Arkema scientists, get training in the scientific concepts behind their science kits, and see real-life examples of how science is applied every day in the workplace. In addition, each teacher and each of their schools receives a cash award to further support science education.
“The program targets teachers in grades 3-6, and teachers in these grades do not typically have a heavy science background,” said Phillips. “These are important years for students to develop an interest in science, and we hope our program can better equip the teachers who participate.”
“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are at the heart of economic activity that drives innovation and competitiveness,” said Jeff Hall, plant manager at the Arkema Inc. Calvert City site. “We have a constant need for scientists to drive innovation, and engineers to design safe and efficient manufacturing processes. We also need people with strong STEM skills to fill key roles at our manufacturing plants.”
“The world needs people with these skills, and a good STEM education can enable young people to pursue rewarding careers,” added Hall. “STEM jobs tend to be well-paid and are rapidly growing, so STEM education is an excellent way to create future opportunity for today’s students.”
In addition to the Science Teachers Program, many Arkema sites support local science education by offering internship opportunities, funding scholarships, hosting student visits to our plants, or sending scientists and engineers to speak at local schools. These efforts are part of Arkema’s Common Ground® program, which focuses on building relationships based on mutual knowledge and trust within the communities in which we operate.
A designer of materials and innovative solutions, Arkema shapes materials and creates new uses that accelerate customer performance. Our balanced business portfolio spans high-performance materials, industrial specialties and coating solutions. Our globally recognized brands are ranked among the leaders in the markets we serve. Reporting annual sales of €7.5 billion in 2016, we employ approximately 20,000 people worldwide and operate in close to 50 countries. We are committed to active engagement with all our stakeholders. Our research centers in North America, France and Asia concentrate on advances in bio-based products, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and insulation. www.arkema.com