Schaumburg's Chicago Paint & Coatings Association Co-Sponsors Kane County Competition to Identify Tomorrow's Chemists and Tech Workers

When it comes to preparing the STEM workforce - those industries relying on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - often the focus is on students in high school and post-secondary education. But the truth is, if students aren't inspired by science when they are young - as early as five years old - it gets increasingly harder to engage them in learning and ultimately, enter careers in STEM industries.

To address the issue, the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) sponsors its You Be The Chemist initiative to build the excitement and value of chemistry and STEM careers with K-8 students through accessible science programs and hands-on experiences.

The Chicago Paint & Coatings Association, together with the Chicago Society for Coatings Technology and Polynt Composites sponsor the local 2020 Kane County You Be the Chemist Challenge. Teams in Kane County will compete for a series of momentary prizes, culminating with an awards presentation on March 9 at Elgin High School.

The program uniquely connects business and education in local communities to reach students early in life and ignite a passion for chemistry and science-related careers.

Companies and individuals in the science and chemistry industries have invested in You Be The Chemist since 1989, to inspire young students into a lifelong passion for these fields. Programs are implemented in partnership with schools and education programs, so activities align with local workforce and learning needs.

You Be The Chemist continues helping businesses and education providers show young students the potential to build a better world through the science of chemistry. And the You Be the Chemist Challenge is the competition middle school teams participate.

For more information visit http://www.chicagopaint.org/index.php or call (847) 240-0102.