Twenty high school seniors selected from across North America attended BASF’s Science Academy.

The challenging two-week residential program combines the worlds of chemistry and marketing and was held at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in Florham Park.

After completing a rigorous application process, program participants used BASF’s chemistry to formulate personal care products. They then developed and delivered a marketing strategy to BASF executives and FDU academic leaders. The goal was to promote the product to their target audience through research and planning. By the end of Science Academy, the 20 high school seniors transformed ideas into practical products.

“Students have the opportunity to follow their interests and get fully immersed in science and marketing at BASF’s Science Academy,” said Robin Rotenberg, VP of corporate communications and chief communications officer for BASF in North America. “We are always looking for more professionals in the sciences and this two-week program, as part of our STEM education initiatives, really offers students the opportunity to explore potential career paths.”

Students graduated from this program with three transferable college science credits, encouraging their pursuit in a STEM field. Also, through this partnership, FDU offers Science Academy alumni a $5,000 scholarship if they elect to attend FDU.

During the program, students went on field trips, including Lush Cosmetics where they learned about the chemistry of fragrances, and BASF’s Research and Development Facility in Tarrytown, NY to discuss their products with laboratory professionals.

“We are pleased to bring these 20 students from around North America to the Florham Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University and provide them with a taste of the college experience while they work in our science labs to produce a personal care product and develop a marketing plan for it,” FDU Florham Campus Executive Brian Mauro said. “We know they will leave here having gained more knowledge, having had many great experiences and having earned three college credits.”