Hexion Inc., an Ohio-based, global producer of adhesives and performance materials, is supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives and committing to “Responsible Chemistry.”

The company announced it’s 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 this year, it will be a clearinghouse of peer-reviewed, open-source green chemistry materials — designed to include 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 VP, 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.

“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.