BASF makes science slimy for eighth graders at Worlds of Opportunity career expo

MCINTOSH, AL, October 6, 2015 – Over 3,000 students recently participated in BASF Kids’ Lab while attending the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council’s sixth annual Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo. The award-winning program, led by BASF employee volunteers, promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers through hands-on learning activities.

"It is rewarding to share my interest in chemistry with the students who are discovering all of the career opportunities available to them,” said volunteer Bill Napper, Group Leader – Analyzer and Intermediate Testing Support for BASF in McIntosh. “If somehow I spark an interest in just one of the eighth graders to pursue a career in science and technology, it would be worth all of the effort."

Students learn about molecules and use polymer science to make colorful slime, which they are able to keep and take home to share with their families.

“Participating in Worlds of Opportunity allows our BASF employee volunteers to raise awareness for our field of work while having fun with kids,” said Lyna’ Schell, Human Resources Business Partner for BASF in McIntosh. “Very few venues can invigorate our employees, inspire young people and lay the groundwork to meet the growing workforce needs of BASF all in one place.”

More than 150 industry partners hosted approximately 10,000 eighth-grade students from more than 80 schools in an eight-county region for the two-day, interactive career exploration event.

Download photos on right, suggested caption: Students enjoy creating chemistry while making slime with BASF employees at Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 17,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $20.6 billion in 2014. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world’s leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of over €74 billion in 2014 and around 113,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

P-US-15-178