NEW YORK, July 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its three-day Science For A Better Life interactive experience at historic Grand Central Terminal, Bayer Corporation today presented New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton with a $50,000 donation to the Police Athletic League of New York City (PAL) in support of its STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational programs.
Commissioner Bratton serves as honorary president of PAL, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. He accepted the grant from Bayer Corporation President Phil Blake, who was joined in the ceremony by Dr. Mae Jemison, Bayer's national Making Science Make Sense® (MSMS) spokesperson.
Following the grant announcement, Dr. Jemison conducted hands-on science experiments with PAL summer campers from Washington Heights and the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. Dr. Jemison, a scientist, physician and space explorer, made history as the first African American female astronaut when she blasted off aboard the space shuttle Endeavour in 1992.
For nearly 20 years, Dr. Jemison has led MSMS, Bayer's Presidential Award-winning initiative that advances science literacy across the United States by supporting inquiry-based, hands-on science teaching and learning; employee volunteerism; and a national public education program that raises awareness of the importance of science and STEM education literacy.
"For 100 years, the Police Athletic League has served New York City's youth and its local communities. Bayer's support of this outstanding organization and its STEM educational programs is the latest expression of our longstanding commitment to improve science education and literacy for today's students," Blake said. "Bayer is honored to provide this donation that will benefit youth PAL programs in all of New York City's five boroughs."
"On behalf of everyone at the Police Athletic League of New York City, I want to thank Bayer for this generous gift and for providing New York City kids the opportunity to meet a true American hero," Commissioner Bratton said. "Dr. Jemison, through her own accomplishments, is proof that people can achieve their dreams through focus, hard work and dedication."
"STEM is vital to improving the quality of life in this country and around the world," Dr. Jemison said. "Bayer and I are committed to working together to increase the number of students achieving in all aspects of STEM fields, especially on the critical issue of more women and minorities. The first step of which is exposing students to meaningful STEM educational experiences. It is clear that innovation and economic success is enhanced by defining, researching and creating products and services using the full scope of intellectual capacity, experiences, capabilities and perspectives available to us."
Science For A Better Life at Grand Central Terminal
Bayer's donation is part of its three-day science experience in Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall. The world-touring exhibit, which runs through July 10 in New York City, embodies Bayer's mission and demonstrates how the company improves the quality of life for people worldwide.
The exhibition focuses on Bayer's innovations in health care, agriculture and high-tech polymer materials. It consists of boxes with capital letters, each letter representing a topic connected to Bayer's mission - Science For A Better Life. Each box contains images and informational text on the scientific background and social aspects of the topic.
In addition, the event also includes the Making Science Make Sense booth, Bayer's Bee Care exhibit and an interactive soccer demonstration that captures the World Cup fever.
The Making Science Make Sense booth offers New Yorkers and tourists of all ages an array of hands-on science demonstrations conducted by Bayer volunteers. Bayer's Bee Care exhibit is designed to educate the public about bee health through videos, interactive games and quizzes, a honey comb wall and a honey tasting bar. The soccer experience allows visitors to learn about the science behind soccer and how Bayer contributed to the technology and specialty materials used in this year's FIFA World Cup official match ball, known as the Brazuca.
Social Media Users:
Facebook: facebook.com/BayersMSMS
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YouTube: youtube.com/BayerChannel
Pinterest: pinterest.com/bayerus/
About Bayer Corporation and Making Science Make Sense®
Bayer Corporation is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, agriculture and high-tech materials. As an inventor company, Bayer sets trends in research-intensive areas. Bayer products and services are designed to benefit people and improve the quality of life. At the same time, Bayer aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and acts as a socially and ethically responsible corporate citizen. In fiscal 2013, Bayer employed 113,200 people at year-end and had sales of €40.2 billion. In North America, Bayer had 2013 net sales of €9,680 million ($12,874 million) and employed 15,200 at year-end. For more information, go to www.bayerus.com.
Making Science Make Sense® (MSMS) is Bayer's company-wide initiative that advances science literacy through hands-on, inquiry-based science education, employee volunteerism and a public education campaign. Currently, 12 Bayer sites around the U.S. operate local MSMS programs, which together represent a national volunteer corps of more than 1,000 employees. For more information, go to www.bayerus.com/msms.
About the Police Athletic League of New York City
The Police Athletic League (PAL) is New York City's largest, nonprofit, independent youth organization. Founded in 1914, PAL serves 50,000 New York City boys and girls each year with recreational, educational, cultural and social programs. PAL is the official youth agency of the New York Police Department.
Forward Looking Statement
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer Web site at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
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SOURCE Bayer Corporation
