West Virginia State University (WVSU) and The Chemours Company (Chemours) have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the advancement of chemistry and chemical engineering education, and workforce development.

As part of the partnership, Chemours will provide internships and co-op opportunities for WVSU students and work with WVSU on efforts to increase interest in STEM education at the elementary and high school levels. Chemours will also provide funding for research-related, STEM, or workforce development projects involving students and faculty, as well as scholarship opportunities.

WVSU will participate in STEM outreach efforts with Chemours and co-host campus seminars for recruiting efforts for intern, co-op, and permanent roles. Additionally, as part of the three-year agreement, WVSU and Chemours will look for opportunities to pursue government funding in areas of mutual interest.

“We are excited to engage in this partnership with one of the world’s leading chemical companies because of the opportunities it will provide our students and faculty,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage. “This partnership will benefit not only Chemours and WVSU, but the state of West Virginia through providing advanced knowledge of the growing STEM fields to middle and high school students who will be the workforce of tomorrow. We thank Chemours for including WVSU as part of its commitment to build a sustainable talent pipeline to support the STEM workforce.”

“Shaping the future of the world through the power of chemistry requires great innovators and problem solvers from all backgrounds. Chemours is committed to ensuring more students have exposure and access to STEM education and professional development opportunities, in hopes that one day they join us in helping to create a better world through the power of our chemistry,” said Randal King, Vice President of Technology for Chemours. “We look forward to sharing our passion for chemistry as we engage and deepen our relationship with the students and faculty at WVSU.”