Students receive $10k boost to support STEM study
- The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program gets $10,000 boost from BASF
- Disadvantaged secondary students receive educational support
Melbourne, Australia – July 2, 2018 – BASF has again increased its support of disadvantaged students in the local communities in which it operates, announcing an additional donation of $10,000 to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.
The funding will support 12 secondary students who have an interest in studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), located near Whyalla SA, Seven Hills NSW and Werribee VIC.
The Smith Family adopts an evidence-based approach to develop and deliver programs that respond to the needs of disadvantaged children, young people, families and communities.
David Hawkins, Managing Director and Chairman of BASF Australia and New Zealand said, “The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program is delivering impressive results, supporting and engaging students from disadvantaged backgrounds through their education. This donation will help give students from all backgrounds an opportunity to develop an interest in STEM studies.”
Dr. Lisa O’Brien, CEO of The Smith Family said, “Learning for Life helps disadvantaged young people to be engaged with their education, complete at Year 12 level, and move on from school to further study or work. The program offers a combination of financial support, for educational essentials like school uniforms, books and excursions; personalized support from a Smith Family Coordinator and access to our out-of-school learning and mentoring programs.”
“BASF’s generous support means 12 students in the local community will receive the help they need to succeed at school and break the cycle of disadvantage,” said Dr. O’Brien.
BASF has donated over $500,000 since first forming its partnership with The Smith Family in 2004.
BASF also supports The Smith Family’s Let’s Count mathematics program for early years’ educators. Through the program, educators support parents with tips, techniques and resources to emphasize math in daily life and help children to see it as relevant, stimulating and fun.
About The Smith Family
The Smith Family is a children’s education charity that helps disadvantaged young Australians to succeed at school, so they can create better futures for themselves. Visit thesmithfamily.com.au
About BASF in Australia and New Zealand
BASF posted sales of about €464 million in Australia and New Zealand in 2017, serving key industries in the agriculture, coatings, construction, manufacturing and mining sectors. As of the end of 2017, the company had 501 employees and operated 12 production sites across manufacturing and agricultural solutions, performance products and functional materials and solutions. BASF has been active in Australia for more than 90 years, and for about 60 years in New Zealand. Further information is available on the Internet at www.basf.com/au.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.
