BASF talks tech with local high school students

 

Thirty-four students learn about technical careers during BASF TECH Academy

GEISMAR, LA, July 18, 2016 – Thirty-four high school students from southern Louisiana recently completed BASF TECH Academy – a week-long program hosted at River Parishes Community College (RPCC) educating students about potential technical career opportunities and skill sets needed for success.

"Through this program, BASF introduces students to technical careers, as well as highlights the educational opportunities available at River Parishes Community College required to attain these careers," said Tom Yura, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the BASF site in Geismar, Louisiana. "We believe BASF TECH Academy helps students make the connection between their interests in science and technology and how best to begin preparing for their future careers."

The group of rising high school juniors and seniors experienced hands-on activities that reinforced skills needed in technical disciplines and interacted with industry professionals who provided insights into potential careers and roles such as a process technician, instrument technician, welder, pipefitter, lab technician and more. The students toured business facilities with a technology-rich focus and that recruit students from technical schools such as RPCC. The facilities included BASF's site in Geismar, the Coca-Cola bottling facility, the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab in Baton Rouge, and the NASA facility in Michoud located in the New Orleans east area.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect from BASF TECH Academy at first, but I am glad I attended,” said Quinton Chesne, senior at Dutchtown High School. “The program opened my eyes to multiple career options and helped me gain more knowledge about my technical career choices. I would recommend BASF TECH Academy to anyone unsure of their career path.”

BASF TECH Academy is part of BASF’s science education and workforce development efforts in North America to support recent industry-related growth and investment. BASF’s manufacturing operations require a skilled workforce to construct, operate and maintain chemical production facilities across the region.

"BASF TECH Academy has allowed these local high school students an excellent and unique opportunity to learn about technical careers and assists them in determining their individual educational goals for success," said Dr. Dale Doty, Chancellor of RPCC. "RPCC applauds BASF’s commitment to the local community and hopes to retain our partnership in future educational programs and workforce development efforts."

BASF selected students through an application process. Students in Ascension Parish high schools and BASF employees’ family members were eligible to participate.  

The following students completed the program and are eligible for $5,000 in BASF TECH Academy scholarships that will be awarded in July:

P-US-16-085

Ascension Catholic High School
Mallory Madere

Ascension Christian Academy
Ricky Martinez

Donaldsonville High School
Ja’Lyncea Ben
Darrell Honora 

Dutchtown High School
Michael Arceneaux
Quinton Chesne
Colton Jordan
Kara Law
Aidan Percival
Mitchell Reed
Thomas Smith
Perry Taylor
Arkia Vanner
Ryan White

East Ascension High School
Edwin Brown
Lance Cook
Tyjon Fleming
Ronald Morris
Brandon Parr

St. Amant High School
William Bailie
Jamal Davis
Adam Diaville
Trace Donaldson
Londen Marchand
Dairius Palmer
Matthew Rusk
Colt Savoy
Jacob Taylor

DeQuincy High School
Jacoby Chenier

Destrehan High School
Tevin Brooks

Episcopal High School
Michael Chima Mbagwu

St. James High School
Chaz Rodrigue

Thibodeaux High School
Jace Trosclair

Walker High School
Ned-Ryan Martell

BASF chronicled the TECH Academy students’ week on the company’s social media pages including Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BASFNorthAmerica/posts/1357780347572396

Download photo on right, suggested caption #1: BASF TECH Academy class of 2016 and employees from BASF’s site in Geismar.

Download photo on right, suggested caption#2: BASF TECH Academy students spend a day at BASF’s site in Geismar learning about technical careers.

Download photo on right, suggested caption#3: Students in BASF TECH Academy take tour of the NASA Michoud facility and learn about technical careers.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has nearly 17,500 employees in North America, and had sales of $17.4 billion in 2015. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.
 
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 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 more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at www.basf.com.