Evonik Donates $10,000 For Innovative Program At Hopewell High School

Continuing its decades-long commitment to the Hopewell City Public Schools, Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation today donated $10,000 to fund an innovative program using NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) to help students learn about science and technology.

Thanks to the Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation grant, about 30 Hopewell High School engineering and technology students will participate in the Ten80-NASCAR STEM Student Racing Challenge. Designed to provide students with first-hand, real-world learning about science, technology, engineering and math concepts, the hands-on project-based learning experience is delivered using remote controlled race cars as the primary tool of instruction.

“Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation is a tremendous partner, and has been for years,” said Dr. Tina M. Barringer, Supervisor of Math, Science & Instructional Technology at the Hopewell City Public Schools. “Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation is very committed to making a difference in the lives of Hopewell children. Dr. Brand and his team are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and work to help our students better understand the skills they will need for their future, especially in math and science.”

Andrei Dacko, Engineering Technology program instructor at Hopewell High School added; “The generosity shown by Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation through their grant is a tremendous affirmation of their commitment to supporting technology and engineering education for the students of Hopewell City Public Schools.”

Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation is committed to helping Hopewell students receive the best education possible, said Dr. Reinhold Brand, president of Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation.

“Evonik is known for innovation and the program created by Dr. Dacko is certainly innovative – using NASCAR to teach students about technology and engineering in a unique and fun way to approach education,” said Dr. Brand. “Our donation will provide an opportunity for students to explore technologies and projects they could not otherwise such as modifying a battery-powered remote control car to use a hydrogen fuel cell system to extend operating time. The program shows students real world technology and engineering concepts relating to car racing as an extension of their learning objectives on motion, energy transformations and magnetism.”

Philip Munson, site manager at the Hopewell plant, noted that Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation seeks to make a difference in the lives of our future leaders. Last year, the company implemented an innovative “job shadowing” program to educate teachers and students about good, high-paying jobs offered by industries in the area that don’t require a college degree.

“We want to do more than just give money, we want to make sure we make a difference in the lives of students,” said Munson. “Using a ground breaking program to teach them about engineering and technology is one way we can do so.”

In addition, the donation from Evonik Goldschmidt will enable the students to showcase their excellent work at the Ten80-NASCAR National Finals in Charlotte, N.C., on May 17-18.

“Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation goes out of its way to make a difference,” said Dr. Barringer. “The extracurricular activities that Mr. Dacko’s class is involved in are beyond the budgets of most high schools. It is great that Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation was able to help.”

Dacko noted that the students recognize this type of support is not to be taken for granted “and are even more driven in their work as a result of Evonik’s support.”

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.