BASF offers hands-on learning activities for 1,000 5th graders during Responsible Care Week

Program at Brazosport College highlights STEM

FREEPORT, TX, May 08, 2015 – Fifth graders in Brazoria County became BASF plant technicians for a day during the 23rd annual Responsible Care Week at Brazosport College. More than 100 employee volunteers from BASF's Freeport site helped conduct the three-day event, which engaged students in hands-on activities focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

During Responsible Care Week from May 5 to 7, nearly 1,000 fifth graders from Brazoria County schools operated plant controls in a training simulator, conducted chemistry experiments and learned about products manufactured by the Freeport site.

"Giving students an up-close look at what we do at BASF and the careers available in our industry is invaluable," said Chris Witte, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the BASF site in Freeport. "We hope these hands-on activities enrich the learning experience and start the students on the path toward technical degrees, certifications and craft skills – all of which provide rewarding careers."

"It was a great experience for students that also gave them the opportunity to learn about an industry in our community," said Chelsie Morrow, a teacher at Clute Intermediate School. "Every student was involved and loved the experience."

Responsible Care Week Co-chair Sandy Sewell, Water and Wastewater Compliance Specialist at the Freeport site, has participated in all 23 events hosted by BASF.

"It's a very rewarding program because it gives us the ability to impact children's lives in a positive way," Sewell said. "It's important to get kids thinking about college education, technical certifications or craft skills now and what they'd like to be in the future."

Download photo on right, suggested caption:  BASF recently hosted responsible care week where nearly 1,000 fifth graders from Brazoria County schools operated plant controls in a training simulator, conducted chemistry experiments, and learned about products manufactured by the Freeport site.

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.

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