Vol. 12, No. 1, Spring/Summer 2001

"People think of DuPont as a chemical company," says Phyllis Buchanan, manager of the DuPont Office of Education. "But we’re really a science company. We do what we can to promote science literacy for all. People who are science-literate—who have a good basic grasp of the principles of science—are wiser consumers and have a better understanding of the major science issues of our day, such as biotechnology and the environment."

The Office of Education, a division of DuPont’s Center for Collaborative Research and Education, promotes science literacy by finding and supporting initiatives aimed at sustained improvement in K–12 science and mathematics education. The office works with educators, universities, other businesses, and local DuPont sites to ensure that today’s children are prepared for tomorrow’s world. "The key is to build and sustain knowledge," says Buchanan.

Buchanan came to DuPont more than 20 years ago to develop a database of higher education programs supported by the company. Today, she directs an office that weaves together an extensive network of alliances that partners across educational levels and acts as a catalyst for educational reform and improvement.

DuPont had already teamed up with the National Science Foundation in support of the Delaware Science Coalition before the Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER) Initiative was launched in 1998. The coalition was committed to K–5 science education reform in every school district statewide. Although not part of the formal LASER network, Delaware’s program was based on the five essential elements of effective reform as identified by the NSRC: curriculum, professional development, materials support, assessment, and community support.

The decision by DuPont last year to support a LASER project in southeastern Pennsylvania not only increased its visibility within LASER but also brought Delaware into the Tri-State partnership. In southeastern Pennsylvania, DuPont is working with Widener University to improve preservice and inservice education.

"The ability of DuPont to adapt to changing times and circumstances has helped keep this company young," says Buchanan, "even though we’ll be 200 years old next year. We made our first grant to universities nearly a century ago. I’m proud to have been part of our recent transition to increased support of science education in elementary and secondary schools."

—J. B.