Bayer Corporation Joins Change The Equation
PITTSBURGH, Sep 16, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bayer Corporation has joined Change the Equation (CTEq), the national initiative launched today that is mobilizing the country's leading corporations dedicated to STEM education in support of the Obama Administration's "Educate to Innovate" initiative. CTEq is an unprecedented initiative of business leaders who are connecting and aligning their work to transform science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning in the United States. Its more than 100 corporate members coordinate their efforts, share their best thinking, and leverage their investments to make a much bigger difference than they could on their own.
In joining CTEq, Bayer builds on its long-standing commitment to science education which the company demonstrates through its Presidential-award winning Making Science Make Sense(R) (MSMS) program. Currently celebrating its 15th anniversary, MSMS is Bayer's companywide initiative that aims to improve science education and advance science literacy across the United States through hands-on, inquiry-based science education, employee volunteerism and a national public education/awareness campaign led by astronaut, scientist and educator, Dr. Mae C. Jemison. Formalized in 1995, MSMS has its roots in school-based science education partnerships forged by Bayer employees in their local communities more than 40 years ago.
"We at Bayer are proud to reaffirm our ongoing commitment to strengthen science education by becoming a member of Change the Equation," said Greg Babe, President and CEO of Bayer Corporation. "Innovation, invention and discovery are the life blood of our business and this country. Long ago we recognized our corporate responsibility to support high-quality science education programs that are helping all American students, including those who traditionally have been underrepresented in STEM, have a place at the innovation table."
As a corporate member, the Bayer USA Foundation has provided seed money to create the newly-formed non-profit CTEq organization and has re-committed to CTEq's three goals. Specifically, Bayer will continue to support programs that improve STEM teaching at all grade levels, with a larger and more diverse cadre of highly-capable and inspirational STEM teachers; inspire student appreciation and excitement for STEM programs and careers to increase success and achievement in school and opportunities for a collegiate education, especially among females and students of color; and, achieve a sustained commitment to improving STEM education from business leaders, government officials, STEM educators and other stakeholders through innovation, communication, collaboration and data-based decision making.
In marking the 15th anniversary of MSMS, Bayer recently launched a series of new online science education tools for various stakeholders. Among these resources is a revised "`How To' Guide for Business-Education Partners" designed for those wishing to create alliances, as well as a revised STEM Diversity Best Practice Compendium which offers an extensive listing of quality STEM education programs that can be replicated and/or scaled up in communities nationwide.
"For the United States, this is a moment of opportunity. The federal government is making unprecedented investments in STEM education, and states are striving to raise student achievement in the STEM fields. Educators, philanthropists, and public officials--including President Obama himself--are publicly championing the importance of STEM for students' workforce readiness," said Linda Rosen, CEO of Change the Equation. "We're thankful to Bayer and all of our Change the Equation corporate partners who have pledged to harness this energy for the good of all children. By aligning our efforts, companies can help ensure that STEM investments, public and private, add up to measurable growth."
About Change the Equation
Change the Equation (CTEq) is a non-profit organization whose 100 member companies from across industry sectors are dedicated to promoting innovation and investment in STEM teaching and learning. CTEq aims to give STEM education a central place in the national lexicon of excellence and achievement, establishing a national movement to support, promote and implement excellent STEM education for every child.
About Bayer Corporation
Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, an international health care, nutrition and high-tech materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company's products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time Bayer creates value through innovation, growth and high earning power. The Corporation is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its role as a socially and ethically responsible corporate citizen. Economy, ecology and social responsibility are corporate policy objectives of equal rank. In North America, Bayer had 2009 net sales of approximately 7.7 billion euros (about $10.7 billion) and employed 16,300 at year end. For more information, go to www.bayerus.com.
Formalized in 1995, Making Science Make Sense is Bayer's national award-winning initiative to advance science literacy through hands-on, inquiry-based science learning, employee volunteerism and public education. Currently, 12 Bayer sites around the country have local MSMS programs.
About the Bayer USA Foundation
The Bayer USA Foundation is an endowed 501(c)(3) entity and is the primary source of Bayer Corporation's philanthropy in the United States. With a programmatic focus on the environment and sustainability; education and workforce development; arts and culture; and health and human services, the foundation creates and supports organizations that improve communities in which Bayer employees live and work, as well as society at large. The Bayer USA Foundation is one of three Bayer corporate foundations worldwide, including the Bayer Science & Education Foundation and the Bayer Cares Foundation.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
SOURCE: Bayer Corporation
Bayer Corporation
Bryan Iams, 412-777-5200
E-mail: bryan.iams.b@bayer.com
www.BayerUS.com
Copyright Business Wire 2010
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