Together, Braskem and The Franklin Institute will encourage diversity and inclusion through programming such as Color of Science, Women in Science, and Introduce a Girl to Engineering, and more. These programs are aimed at shaping a more vibrant and inclusive vision of STEM for the 21^st Century and include hands-on activities, special workshop offerings as well as opportunities for one-on-one interactions with academic leaders, industry executives, and influential thought leaders.

Mark Nikolich, Braskem North America Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our partnership with the Franklin Institute around Diversity and Inclusion marks a significant moment in Braskem's history, with a goal of making science accessible and welcoming to all. At Braskem, building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone has an opportunity to be their authentic self is a priority. This partnership with The Franklin Institute, one of the pioneering science museums in the U.S., will make an important impact on our future leaders and inspire them to pursue STEM education and careers to continue changing our world for the better."  

"The Franklin Institute is extremely proud of this opportunity to cultivate a rich and rewarding partnership with Braskem that supports our commitment to diversifying the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math," said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. "We are grateful for their continued support, and look forward to working together to help change the face of STEM in the 21st century through incredibly important programs like Color of Science, Women in Science, and Introduce a Girl to Engineering."

Braskem is a longtime partner of The Franklin Institute having collaborated around Braskem's commitments to sustainability and cutting-edge technologies, reaching over a million people every year. Braskem worked hand-in-hand to bring 3D-printing technology and innovation to the Institute in 2017. In 2018, Braskem served as Presenting Sponsor for The Franklin Institute's Women in Science Day, which included a keynote from Yi So-yeon, an astronaut and biotechnologist who became the first Korean to fly in space. In addition, Braskem has been a steadfast supporter of the Philadelphia Science Festival, bringing engaging content and interactive demonstrations on the benefits of plastics to the public. As the official Diversity and Inclusion Sponsor for The Franklin Institute, Braskem further strengthens its corporate and community commitments to these important areas and makes it a priority to continue to foster these ideals in the future.

Founded in 1824, The Franklin Institute remains one of the oldest and widely recognized centers of science education and development in the United States.  The Franklin Institute's mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology by sharing their world class programming and informal science education with visitors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic statuses.

For information about the upcoming events visit www.fi.edu .

ABOUT THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania's most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu .