FLORHAM PARK, NJ - BASF received the 2012 Educational Outreach Award from the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) in recognition of the company’s efforts to enhance chemistry education across the United States.

BASF launched a national science education program in 2011 to engage 5,000 students (K-12) and families in age-appropriate hands-on science activities. The goal was to build awareness of the role chemistry plays in their daily lives and encourage students to pursue science through higher education and as a possible path toward a rewarding career. The program exceeded expectations, with more than 8,000 participants, high employee engagement and extensive regional impact.

The BASF science education program includes Kids’ Lab, a series of hands-on chemistry experiments for children ages six through 12; the BASF Science Academy, an advanced chemistry summer residence program for High School juniors; and a special science edition of Kids X-Press magazine, written exclusively by children to increase their science literacy, which is published twice a year and distributed globally. BASF also actively supports student participation in the Chemical Educational Foundation’s You Be the Chemist Challenge.