WILMINGTON, Del. – DuPont proudly sponsored 53 science teachers from different DuPont communities across the United States to attend the 2016 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) annual conference March 31- April 3 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Alice Bergeson from Lowndes High School is among the exemplary STEM (Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics) teachers sponsored by DuPont.
“DuPont has a long-standing reputation as one of the world’s most innovative science companies and we continue to recognize the importance of science education. Many scientific and engineering achievements would not be possible without passionate educators like Ms. Bergeson who motivate young people to become our next generation of cutting-edge solvers – the scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians – who will face many of the world’s most critical problems,” said Krysta Harden, vice president of public policy and chief sustainability officer. “We are committed to inspiring teachers who touch the future.”
DuPont hosted a dinner event for the exemplary teachers, with 150 science educators and business and foundation leaders in attendance. The event, themed “Celebrating Heroes and Stars that Rock,” honored the memory of the heroic crew of the 1986 Challenger space shuttle on the 30th anniversary of its flight. June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee and Founding Chair of Challenger Center, shared some of her personal remembrances with the audience.
Following the tragedy 30 years ago, Scobee collaborated with the Challenger families and others to channel grief into action by creating Challenger Center, a living tribute to the astronauts. DuPont created The DuPont Challenge, a science essay competition for grades K-5 and 6-12, to honor the Challenger crew and their educational mission: To Touch The Future.
DuPont supports STEM education through a range of grants and content-rich programs that have significant impact on teacher and student achievement. In addition to hosting a number of professional development sessions at the conference each year, DuPont collaborates on a variety of NSTA projects and programs by sponsoring conference workshops, short courses and The DuPont Challenge.
NSTA is a strategic partner in promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning. To date, DuPont has sponsored over 6,000 teachers at the annual NSTA conference.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment.
For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.
