Thanks to the Arkema Science Teacher Program when five local teachers return to the classroom this year, they will be equipped with new resources to make Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum fun for their students. Teachers from South Marshall Elementary School in Benton, KY, Symsonia Elementary School in Symsonia, KY, and Metropolis Elementary School in Metropolis, IL completed this year’s program which took place June 25-27 at Arkema’s Calvert City, KY plant.
Arkema’s scientifically trained mentors led teachers through hands-on lessons using STEM classroom kits on topics such as forms of energy, earth and space systems, and plant and animal structures. All kits used in the program meet national science education standards and provide teachers with eight weeks of science curriculum for the upcoming school year. Participating teachers also receive a donation to purchase additional science experiment supplies for their classrooms, as well as ongoing mentoring from the Arkema team.
“We were pleased to host local science teachers for the 23rd year at the Calvert City plant. It is a focus point for us to promote STEM and manufacturing careers to students,” said Carl Stewart, plant manager at Arkema’s Calvert City site. “Hosting this program allows us to spend three days with teachers and not only provide them with an all-inclusive kit for their school, but also stress the importance for students to consider careers in STEM and manufacturing. The advantages of this program are many, such as connecting with the community, promoting our industry, and providing valuable teaching resources to local schools.”
Since 1996, the award-winning Arkema Science Teacher Program has invested millions of dollars, benefitting hundreds of teachers and thousands of students. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility program, Arkema is committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates, and the Science Teacher Program is a key program in the United States.
The Arkema Science Teacher program aims to inspire more young people to pursue careers in STEM fields. In 2021, there were nearly 10 million workers in STEM occupations and this total is projected to grow by almost 11% by 2031, over two times faster than the total for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.