July 12, 2022 (Chattanooga, TN) --- The third annual BASF TECH Academy program at Chattanooga State Community College was recently presented in partnership with BASF, graduating twelve high school juniors and seniors from the weeklong camp.

Students who attend the camp were introduced to hands-on STEM classroom activities at Chattanooga State that included 3D printing and plastic injection molding, welding and non-destructive testing, robotics and animation, and chemical process control in the Wacker Pilot Plant. These sessions were taught by Engineering Technology faculty Mark Palmer, Al Curtis, Matt McKee, Bruce Coulter, and Dean Tre Powell.

In addition, students learned soft skills such as verbal, aural, non-verbal, written and visual communication skills, problem solving and critical thinking, standards and behaviors in workplace ethics, professionalism and workplace attitudes. These soft skills help to prepare students for real world situations in plant operations, engineering practices, 3D printing, welding, mechatronics and more.

Building on the STEM educational experience, students took afternoon field trips that provided additional training and insight in several local manufacturing facilities that included Nokian Tyres, Chickamauga Dam, Lodge Cast Iron, Coca-Cola, and the BASF facility in Chattanooga.

Each February, BASF prepares an application and flyer sent to all Hamilton County Schools encouraging students to apply for this free camp. Typically limited to 15 students, BASF reviews the applications and chooses the participants. Students chosen for the 2022 camps included:

Graysen Morris, Red Bank High School/Polytech Academy at Chattanooga State; John-Thomas Black and Henry Rollins, STEM School Chattanooga; William Russell and Jonathan Whitmill, Home Life Academy; Alex Williams, Chattanooga High School for Creative Arts; Wesley Ziegenmier, Ooltewah High School; Nathaniel Odom, Grace Baptist Academy; Ben Daughtery, Ian Etheridge, Bryson Hager, and Andrew Breneman, Homeschool.

“Students and sponsors were very impressed with our facilities at Chattanooga State,” said Kristi Slack, Polytech Academy at Chattanooga State. “Students also asked questions about post high school education on our campus."

Dean Powell stated, “We look forward each year to the continued partnership with BASF and being able to expose high school students to a hands-on opportunity of experiencing local STEM careers.”

To learn more about BASF TECH Academy, contact Lisa Jackson, coordinator, Engineering & information Technologies Division at (423) 697-5722 or email lisa.jackson@chattanoogastate.edu.