October 22, 2007 - (Trenton, NJ) - The Education Foundation of the Chemistry Council of New Jersey announced today that they will donate $5,000 to the NJ Science Olympiad program, which will help underwrite the Camden County Regional Tournament scheduled for January 12, 2008 and the State Finals Tournament scheduled for March 11, 2008.
The CCNJ and its Foundation are commemorating the American Chemical Society's 2007 National Chemistry Week by supporting the NJ Science Olympiad. This year’s theme is "The Many Faces of Chemistry," and in New Jersey the business of chemistry has many faces, and represents $27 billion of New Jersey’s economy. "The Many Faces of Chemistry" are indeed an integral part to the Garden State.
"We are excited to support such an excellent organization that helps to promote science education in New Jersey," said Hal Bozarth, executive director of the Chemistry Council of New Jersey.
The Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. In May of 2007, New Jersey won first place in the nation in the middle school division.
"In order for the business of chemistry to continue to thrive in New Jersey, we need to invest in our future scientists, researchers, lab technicians and engineers; otherwise we will be left at a disadvantage," said Bozarth. "The Foundation seeks to support programs like the Science Olympiad because it encourages students who are interested in science to pursue further science education at the college level and potentially as a career. We all benefit from programs like this one."
New Jersey is home to the 8th largest chemistry manufacturing economy in the United States and it ranks 3rd among all states in terms of total employment in the chemistry industry. These jobs offer wages that average more than $90,000 per year. In order to support this sector, CCNJ works to ensure that the industry has a future workforce that is properly engaged and prepared in the sciences.
To learn more about the NJ Science Olympiad and schedule of tournaments visit:
http://www.njscienceolympiad.org/
