Diversity Educational Initiatives

Welcome to the SPE Foundation and Ecotek Science at Work Lab STEM Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion web portal.  In partnership, Ecotek Lab and the SPE Foundation have embarked on a 10-year investment strategy targeting underrepresented and under-resourced students across the globe with polymer science and plastics STEM education, activities and ongoing mentoring from scientists and engineers. The goal is to inspire young people to envision future careers in plastics manufacturing and polymer science-related industries and to support their career journeys. 

Ecotek Lab builds science and engineering readiness in students by facilitating long-term hands-on science research in material science including bioplastics, alternative energy, environmental science, and biotechnology. Student scientists at Ecotek, ages 10 to 17, are actively interested in solving international problems through science. The students work on a wide range of science projects to understand the role science plays in policy making at a global level.

Our program will provide STEM mentoring and leadership through PlastiVan® and PlastiVideo™ Programs, hands-on plastics STEM events, after-school STEM clubs, a “Wonders of Plastics” annual essay contest, and polymer-science fair support. Through SPE’s vast network of corporate partners and stakeholders, students will be given opportunities for meaningful field trips, professional career exploration, and internships.

STUDENTS 
Click on the “Scholarships and Grants” link in the blue navigation bar above to submit applications for:

• Essay Contest 
• Research Scientist Development Program through Ecotek Lab
• Diversity College Scholarship 
• Polymer Science Fair 
• Research and Innovation Grant