An essential industry in search of essential workers

For the nation's chemistry teachers, a week-long celebration this October of the science that has sparked their educational careers is akin to attending the Super Bowl in a blizzard: you desperately want to be there but you know the forecast could be better.

"National Chemistry Week" kicks off at schools around the country on Oct. 19, at a time when U.S. leaders are worried about the fate of the economy, given the economic crisis rippling through the country.

What's the connection between the celebration in our school systems of an essential science and the nation's economy? Quite a lot.

The chemistry industry contributes billions of dollars into the economy and is the economic lifeline for millions of professionals, their families and their communities. The U.S. is the No. 1 producer of chemistry products in the world, generating more than $664 billion a year in sales, with onequarter of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) directly related to chemistry. Virtually all segments of the U.S. economy depend in some way on chemistry.

Consider the following about the chemistry industry:

• It generates nearly 400,000 jobs, in agriculture, pharmaceutical and other industries in New Jersey.

• It is one of New Jersey's top exporters, with $8.1 billion in annual exports.

• It generates employee compensation of $25.5 billion.

• It pays 53 percent higher wages than the average manufacturing sector job in New Jersey (while being twice as safe).

• The products of chemistry are one out of every eight patents and $27 billion is invested in research every year.

However, our industry is facing a dilemma as there has been a decline in interest among students in the field and increasing retirement rates. As an industry that is a key contributor to the New Jersey economy, offers high-paying jobs and provides solutions and innovations to help solve the issues

facing our world today, it is imperative that we encourage students

to learn more about this exciting

and ever-changing field. Today's youth are essential to tomorrow's future.

In October New Jersey's teachers and throughout the country will be encouraging kids in K-12 grades to take part in "National Chemistry Week." Among the activities offered, will be an invitation to participate in a poster contest with the theme of "Having A Ball With Chemistry" focused on the link between chemistry and sports.

Students are often captivated by the simple proposition that fun and science go together like peanut butter and jelly. If we can engage young minds and spark new ambition, chemistry will remain an American economic centerpiece.
Hal Bozarth
Executive Director
Chemistry Council of
New Jersey
Trenton