German chemicals manufacturer BASF has once again hosted its annual BASF Science Academy, which aims to help students learn the art of chemistry.

The two week program, held at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in Madison, New Jersey, sees students from US, Canada, Mexico and Central America come together to use BASF chemistry to formulate personal care products and learn how to create a go-to-market plan and strategy.

Aimed at promoting a career in science, technology, engineering or math, the students work in teams and, at the end of the two weeks, graduate with two transferable college credits. Another draw of the program is the $5,000 scholarship offered by the FDU to the Science Academy alumni in they go on to attend the university in 2017.

Dr. Brian Olechnowski, Program Director at FDU, said, “The partnership between business and academia is a successful model for helping students understand the practical applications of what they learn. I’m excited to be a part of the experiences and progress the students make during the intensive two week program.”

As part of the curriculum, students follow the theme ‘From molecules to marketplace’ and get exposure to real chemistry, while getting an inside look at marketing and having important hand’s on experience.