Evonik Corporation Donates $10,000 To Hopewell City Public Schools

Evonik Corporation, one of Hopewell’s major employers, today donated $10,000 to Hopewell City Public Schools to support the Hopewell High School robotics team and the STEM Summer Day Camp.

This latest donation from Evonik brings the company’s contributions to area schools over the past 10 years to nearly $100,000.

“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) shape our everyday experience,” said David DelGuercio, senior vice president and general manager, Nutrition & Care, Americas. “The jobs of the future will require skills in the STEM subjects and education in these subjects creates critical thinkers and prepares the next generation of innovators who will create new products and processes that sustain our lifestyle. STEM not only supports those that go on to professional careers, but hourly worker roles are becoming increasingly more technical requiring candidates with these educational foundations.“

John A. Fahey, Superintendent of Hopewell City Public Schools, said he was grateful for Evonik’s latest donation and the company’s continued generosity and support of Hopewell City Public Schools.

“The assistance of Evonik Corporation enables the school division to accomplish far more than it could otherwise,” said Fahey. “Evonik Corporation has always been a valued supporter of Hopewell City Public Schools and this donation is further evidence of that support.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, seven of the 10 projected fastest-growing occupations over the next decade are in STEM fields.

“STEM occupations have grown 8% in the last 10 years and are expected to grow twice as fast in the next 10 years,“ said DelGuercio, citing information from the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Statistics show STEM workers can earn more than their non-STEM colleagues,” added DelGuercio.

Phil Munson, site manager at Evonik’s plant on Route 10, added that because STEM is so important, businesses and parents should work together to inspire students’ interest in STEM-related careers and study.

“Increased commitment from businesses and other stakeholders to support STEM education is critical,” said Munson. “More importantly, the demand for skilled workers in science, technology, engineering, and math is growing. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that by 2018, America will have 1.2 million unfilled jobs in STEM fields because the workforce will not have the necessary skills to fill them. At Evonik, we’re seeking to encourage more students to become interested in STEM.”

Evonik also supports activities among students because participation in the robotics program helps students learn the practical application of STEM in a fun way.

“Students who participate in the robotics team and build robots that are functional become inspired, show initiative, independence, and demonstrate the ability to work in teams,” said Munson. “Working in small groups with robots, students develop basic communication and inter-personal skills that modern employers view as essential.”

The donation is part of Evonik's commitment to the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care program.

For additional information about Evonik in North America, please visit our website: www.evonik.com/north-america. Please visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvonikNorthAmerica. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EvonikN_America.