The world needs science-minded leaders to meet the challenges of tomorrow, says Erin Kane, president and CEO of AdvanSix, an American Chemistry Council (ACC) member company.

"The business of chemistry is so critical to solving the world's future problems," says Kane.

• "When we think about energy, climate, sustainability, or innovation, it's clear that we are at the start of enabling so much of that transformation and opportunity — but we need the world's greatest brightest talent."

Why it's important: The chemical industry plays a critical role in the creation of products that help power a healthier and more productive world, from affordable housing to reliable infrastructure, and effective, modern health care technologies.

The sector also contributes significantly to the U.S. economy, including:

• $639 billion generated annually.
• 555,000 skilled, good-paying American jobs.
• 25% of the U.S. GDP supported.

"We're not our grandfather's chemical industry," says Kane. "We are safer, more responsible and more energy efficient. We have significantly improved our operations while reducing our own emissions, and we are working to help others do the same. We're doing things better than we ever have."

The chemical industry is essential to modern living in the U.S. Through leading performance initiatives like Responsible Care®, the sector works to make safety the top priority for products manufactured by chemistry and used by consumers every day. To advance and uphold these standards, workforce development must remain a key focus.

The challenge: The chemical industry can only evolve and innovate if its skilled workforce continues to grow with it. Finding the chemists, engineers, biologists and technologists of tomorrow must remain a top priority.

• "In many cases, the industry is challenged by fundamental trust and reputation issues," says Kane. "When you look at some of the statistics, about 44% of folks that are 20 to 35 years of age don't view the industry as an employer of choice."

Next steps: "We need to inspire that talent," says Kane. "And for me it all starts with engaging and creating that opportunity for folks to be curious about us."

💡 Programs like the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) aim to do just that.

FOSSI, a national, chemical industry-led program, provides over 100 scholarships annually, each valued at $40,000 to incoming freshmen attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are studying preferred science, technology, engineering and math degrees.

• The program also connects students to chemical industry sponsors who provide mentorship, leadership training, internships and more.
• Through FOSSI, more than 80 chemical industry participants have funded over 725 scholarships and raised nearly $35 million.

"I think the greatest proof point is that the chemical industry has a 94% student retention rate through this program after three years," says Kane. "We're really working to make a difference — building that ultimate pipeline for the talent that we need for this industry to thrive."

• Kane sits on the board of directors for the FOSSI program and is currently the chair of the ACC board. AdvanSix is currently sponsoring 13 students across three different classes, a commitment of approximately $500,000.

💡 FOSSI is just one way ACC members prioritize Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

For Kane, creating a diverse and inclusive environment isn't just important for growing the industry, but essential to solving today's challenges.

"First and foremost, it's bringing a broad range of voices to the table — diverse voices – that provide greater creativity and innovation for problem-solving," says Kane. "[When you] create the environment for folks to come together with different backgrounds, different capabilities, different experiences, you're creating that opportunity for the best outcomes to happen."

• "I'm a big believer that diversity and inclusion are powerful and meaningful to the outcomes of the industry."

💡Beyond workforce development, Responsible Care®, ACC's environmental, health, safety and security initiative, helps ensure the industry remains committed to the well-being of employees, communities and the environment.

• The guidelines are an important step to building trust inside and outside the chemistry industry.

"Responsible Care sets us apart. This is a third-party audited program," says Kane. "We are transparent; we report on our metrics, and then we welcome in auditors that will confirm that we're doing what we say we do."

For American Chemistry Council Members, Responsible Care® has facilitated:

• A 31% reduction in recordable injury and illness rate (2010-2023).
• 4x the safety rate of the broader U.S. manufacturing sector.
• 3x the safety rate of the broader U.S. chemical sector.

The takeaway: "Our employees should be the best recruiters and industry ambassadors that we have," says Kane.

Having an engaged workforce that is excited about the business of chemistry adds credibility, which helps address the fundamental trust issues that have challenged the industry for the past decade.

• "And so, if we have positive experiences at AdvanSix — in the industry — then there will be spokespeople out there helping people realize that we are trustworthy, we are doing the right things," says Kane.

Learn more.