07.04.19
More than 1,100 fifth-graders and 50 children of BASF employees became plant workers for a day during BASF’s 27th annual Responsible Care Week at Brazosport College in Freeport, Texas.
For three days, students worked in the process equipment trainer (live-scale) plant, conducted chemistry experiments, became virtual welders and participated in various activities. More than 150 BASF volunteers supported the program to highlight STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) careers, sustainability and technology.
“At Responsible Care Week, we have the ability to impact a child’s future,” said Laura Windsor, Responsible Care Week co-chair and Line OSIH/Lean Coordinator. “Several children who experienced this three-day program in fifth grade later choose STEM careers because they saw early on where their passions could fit in an industrial career. This event is about children experiencing that they can be a welder, drone pilot, chemist, engineer or plant technician.’”
Engineering students representing Engineers for a Sustainable World – the University of Texas and Texas A&M Chapters joined the event to discuss sustainability and to challenge the fifth-graders to live sustainably. They brought their BASF sponsored mobile aquaponics unit, a symbiotic environment that combines the raising of fish with the cultivation of plants, as well as a bicycle that generates power as it is ridden.
“BASF is committed to creating chemistry and innovation to help sustain the world of tomorrow today,” said Chris Witte, SVP and GM of the BASF site in Freeport, Texas. “We want our community, and our world, to be a better place to live for the next generation. BASF’s Responsible Care Week helps to prepare our potential future workforce and betters our community in the process.”
