Chemours and Mac Williams Middle School: A STEM Education Partnership


12/21/2023


Today, Chemours Fayetteville Works and Mac Williams Middle School, located in Fayetteville, have unveiled a collaboration via the Chemours Future of Engineering, Science, Trades, and Technology (ChemFEST) initiative. The aim is to foster early involvement in STEM education within the Fayetteville community.

The ChemFEST program, a company-wide initiative, is committed to promoting a shift towards a more diverse workforce in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). ChemFEST enables Chemours to invest in middle schools that lack resources in communities where it operates, ensuring early exposure to STEM education for younger students. This is crucial as studies indicate that STEM proficiency and interest are most impactful when cultivated before high school, when students start selecting their courses. Over the next two decades, there will be over 800,000 job vacancies in STEM-related fields.

The ChemFEST partnership model with schools allows for tailoring to suit the requirements of each partner school and local community. As an initial step in its ChemFEST collaboration with Mac Williams, Chemours has provided over $29,000 in funding for seven lab modules from Paxton Patterson. These modules offer education on subjects such as Alternative Energy, Environment & Ecology, and Engineering & Design. Paxton Patterson labs allow students to investigate potential careers through classroom simulations. This practical learning enables students to discover their interests and skills in various STEM fields.

Mac Williams Middle School is dedicated to creating a secure and nurturing environment that facilitates successful outcomes in all aspects of each student’s growth. The school is devoted to preparing students for high school and ensuring they are ready for careers or college in a globally competitive world.

Throughout the year, Chemours employees will interact with students in various ways, including providing support in labs and discussing STEM career possibilities. The company is excited to maintain its partnership with the school and its students in the coming years through this collaboration.
 
“We are so excited to join Mac Williams Middle School in their pursuit to bring new STEM tools and content to the classroom,” reflected Seth Bailey, Chemours Manufacturing Technology Manager and Fayetteville Works ChemFEST Committee Member. “Our employees are ready to assist the faculty in presenting the lab modules and share how STEM careers bring innovative solutions to address the world’s toughest challenges – which is exactly what Chemours does every day.”
 
“Mac Williams’ staff members are excited to begin this partnership to provide real world STEM experiences for our students," shared Anita McLaughlin, Mac Williams Middle School Principal.
 
To know more about Chemours' ChemFEST school partnership program, click here