Hexion Announces Digital Teaching and Learning Partnership To Expand Green Chemistry Principles in the Classroom

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its ongoing support of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives, as well as its commitment to “Responsible Chemistry,” Hexion is serving as a Founding Partner of the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC), a joint initiative of Beyond Benign and the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute.

The GCTLC is a virtual community designed to help transform chemistry education programs across the U.S. and the world. When launched later in 2023, it will be a clearinghouse of peer-reviewed, open-source green chemistry materials including greener lab experiments, lecture materials, classroom activities, and more. The GCTLC will also host online spaces for collaboration, networking, mentorship, and peer-to-peer learning for thousands of educators (including K-12, university and college faculty), students, and industry stakeholders.

Hexion’s partnership with the GCTLC aligns with the Company’s broader sustainability initiatives. “The GCTLC’s principles are framed by the tenets of ‘Green Chemistry,’ which help chemists design more sustainable and less hazardous materials,” said Stephanie Couhig, Senior Vice President, Environmental Health & Safety and Chief Sustainability Officer. “Through this partnership, Beyond Benign will build online spaces and teaching and learning networks that will lead to innovative new solutions to the world’s sustainability challenges. By fostering an broader understanding of green chemistry in students today, Beyond Benign and Hexion are working to enable the research leaders of tomorrow.”

Hexion has steadily increased its STEM initiatives including support for the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), a collaborative program aimed at creating pathways that allow underrepresented groups to more easily enter and succeed in STEM careers. FOSSI provides opportunities for chemical manufacturers, supply chain partners and industry stakeholders to fund scholarships, provide internship opportunities, and facilitate mentoring and leadership training for students majoring in STEM at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

“Industry’s support demonstrates their commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists and ensuring that they have the tools needed to design more sustainable products. Hexion’s sponsorship as a founding partner of the GCTLC is essential to launch this important on-line platform and help the educators more easily bring green chemistry to their classrooms and laboratories.” said Dr. Amy Cannon, Executive Director, Beyond Benign.

About Hexion Inc.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Hexion Inc. is a leading global producer of adhesives and performance materials. Hexion provides specialty products and technical support for customers in a diverse range of applications and industries, such as construction, furniture, energy, agriculture, and automotive. Building on over a century of experience, Hexion is working to preserve the Earth’s natural resources, meet the needs of growing populations and respond to a changing climate. Learn more about Hexion and its commitment to sustainability at www.hexion.com.

About Beyond Benign:

Beyond Benign, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, envisions a world where the chemical building blocks of products used every day are healthy and safe for humans and the environment. Beyond Benign’s mission is to foster a green chemistry community that empowers educators to transform chemistry education for a sustainable future. Beyond Benign is working to equip educators from K-20 with the ability to teach chemistry and STEM through a lens of sustainability grounded in the 12 principles of green chemistry. By providing educators with tools, training and a peer support network, educators are equipped to train the next generation of scientists and citizens with the skills and knowledge to create and choose products that are safe for human health and the environment.

Co-founded in 2007 by Dr. John Warner, the co-founder of the field of green chemistry, and Dr. Amy Cannon, who holds the world’s first Ph.D. in Green Chemistry, Beyond Benign has an extensive history of service. Over the past 15 year, Beyond Benign has trained over 6,500 K-12 teachers in sustainable science and green chemistry, designed over 200 open-access lessons, reached over 35,000 youth and community members through outreach, & partnered with over 100 universities to transform chemistry education. Together we can catalyze the development of green technological innovations that result in safer products and processes in support of a sustainable, healthy society.