ar wejen ar oe nan Ea Benen a me ey ao Beey ean weigh ace we 4ay oo ey ers Ez wen ‘ha &eee an (NAPSA)—Many communities are learning there’s an educational resource they have been overlooking—a local chemical plant. There are a number of ways chemical companies and their employees can support education in their communities. Here are a few examples: * Voluner Tutoring and Mentoring: Ofn, employees and retirees voluner their time to work with students, some of whom have been identified as “at risk.” Students are tutored in such areas as math, English and science, and are encouraged to keep their grades up to improve their career prospects. * Classroom Guest Speakers: A large numberof chemical plant retirees, as well as employees, take part in this kind of effort. Speakers talk to the students, not just about the chemical industry, but about developing necessary life skills. Topics can range from time management to job-inrviewing skills to help prepare the students for life beyondthe classroom. * Judging of School Competitions: Some chemical facilities provide judgesfor the science fairs at the local high school. But the involvement is not just strictly science-relad. In fact, plants have provided judges for competitions sponsored by a range of school organizations, including the Future Farmers of America and essay consts. * Partnerships with Individual Schools: In some communities, plants and nearby schools are Ofn, chemical plant employees and retirees voluner their time to work with students as tutors and mentors. matched up in partnerships that may last over a numberof years. That closer, “official” relationship allows the plant voluners to identify needs more quickly and respond more quickly, too. “Promoting education is a primary focus for us in all the communities where we have facilities,” says Scott Roberts, executive vice president of operational excellence for Shell Chemical LP. “We want to be good neighbors, especially to the local schools.” “We're commitd to our local communities,” Roberts says. “In addition to the satisfaction we get out of supporting schools, we’re also making an investment in our future workforce. It’s a good deal all the way around.” For information about Shell Chemical LP plant programs, send an e-mail to josie. derooy@shell.com or visit the company’s Web si at www.shell.com.
