#United States #STEAM education #Florham Park #BASF #TECH Academy

Celebrating 10 Years of BASF's TECH Academy

BASF, a leader in chemical production and innovation, is proudly marking the 10th anniversary of its TECH Academy, an initiative designed to engage and cultivate the next generation of technical professionals in the manufacturing sector. Since its inception at the Geismar, Louisiana site in 2015, this educational program has seen substantial growth, expanding to locations in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Wyandotte, Michigan, and impacting over 390 students nationwide.

A Comprehensive Learning Experience

The TECH Academy is a week-long educational endeavor that combines classroom instruction with hands-on experiences, allowing high school students to gain valuable insight into various career paths in technical fields. BASF partners with local community colleges, including River Parishes Community College in Louisiana, Chattanooga State Community College in Tennessee, and Wayne County Community College in Michigan, to provide mentorship and real-world experience to the students.

Jerry Lebold, Senior Vice President and General Manager for BASF's Geismar site, emphasized the significance of the program: "TECH Academy provides local high school students with insights into career paths that allow them to thrive in various opportunities within our industry. The blend of classroom instruction and hands-on facility tours offers a powerful experience for students to learn about high-wage, high-demand jobs available in our community, as well as the innovation and technology that companies like BASF are employing to create a sustainable future for the next generation."

Growth and Future Prospects

In its tenth year, BASF reported a rise in participation, with 65 students in 2024 and an increased enrollment of 78 students in 2025. This trend of growth signifies the community's interest and the program's success in attracting young talent to the manufacturing industry. Looking ahead into 2026, BASF plans to expand the TECH Academy to two additional locations, further fortifying its commitment to fostering the next generation of manufacturing and technical talent.

Quintin D. Taylor, Chancellor of River Parishes Community College, remarked on the partnership, noting, "For the past decade, BASF's TECH Academy has provided high school students with a hands-on, eye-opening experience into the world of advanced manufacturing and energy careers. This partnership exemplifies the power of industry and education working together to build a stronger future for Louisiana's workforce."

Beyond TECH Academy

The TECH Academy is not an isolated initiative but part of BASF's more extensive Science Education programs, which include Kids' Lab and collaborations with museums, science centers, and environmental organizations. Through these diverse efforts, BASF aims to ignite interest among students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

By integrating practical experience with educational frameworks, BASF’s TECH Academy stands as an exemplary model of how to successfully engage students in career-oriented education. It underscores the importance of cultivating skilled professionals ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow's workforce in sectors that are vital for sustainable development.

For more details about BASF's STEAM programs and initiatives, you can visit their webpage or follow their updates on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, based in Florham Park, New Jersey, serves as the North American affiliate of BASF SE, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany. With approximately 16,000 employees across North America, BASF reported sales of $19.7 billion in 2024 and is committed to combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. With a robust portfolio that spans various sectors, BASF continues to innovate for a sustainable future. Visit www.basf.com/us for additional information on BASF’s operations and initiatives.