Delaware STEM Educator Awards 

For eleven years, Ashland has recognized outstanding educators in Delaware. In their own words, the videos on this page capture the impact and challenges they have educating the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians and more.

Though we may not realize it, everyday thousands of teachers wake up ready to engage and inspire the next generation of STEM solvers — students who, with a little encouragement and support, can turn a natural curiosity into a lifelong passion. Nowhere is that truer than with Delaware STEM Educators. Every year, these tireless teachers are recognized by the Delaware STEM Council for work that takes place in classrooms, labs, and communities across the state, all focused on revealing the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. 

As the title sponsor of the Delaware STEM Educator Awards, Ashland sat down with these inspiring educators to understand better what they are working on, how Ashland can further help to help bring the world of Responsible Solvers™ to their classrooms. 

2024

Ashland Helps Recognize Delaware STEM Educators at 10th Annual Awards Event.

As the title sponsor and in concert with the Delaware STEM Council and other corporate partners, Ashland recently recognized individual educators and teams during the 10th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards. More than 50 educators and state dignitaries joined the celebration of outstanding contributions and innovative approaches to STEM education and disciplines in the classroom and beyond. As part of our Responsible Solvers™ program, Ashland continues to recognize the impact of local programs around the globe in the communities in which we operate. This milestone event also featured tributes to past winners and the presentation of the Armbrecht Award to Senator Tom Carper for his unwavering support of STEM initiatives.

2023

the value of corporate sponsorships

Environment, social and governance (ESG) is embedded in Ashland’s strategy and operating plans. In addition to our innovative products and technologies, Ashland’s Responsible Solvers™ program and social focus is to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in the communities around the globe in which we operate. As such, our solvers have put a stake in the ground with local programs that support STEM to increase awareness and participation, especially for women and minorities. Corporate partners are necessary to provide monetary resources and to help put a face on STEM careers for students. Listen to what this year’s winning Delaware STEM educators have to say about the importance of corporate sponsors. 

How does the Delaware STEM Council help futher your mission?

Listen to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educators in Delaware talk about how the Delaware STEM Council furthers their mission to teach the next generation of students who will apply STEM skills to answer some of the world’s most challenging problems.

What advice would you give to a brand new STEM teacher?

When it comes to creating awareness about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and STEM-related career opportunities, “igniting the spark” and teacher authenticity lets students know its ok to stumble, get back up, and keep going. Listen to what these award-winning educators in Delaware have to say about inspiring a new generation of teachers in the field.

What does the STEM educator award mean?

The annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards acknowledge the tireless work of educators in the First State. As the title sponsor of the awards, Ashland will continue to highlight the critical work of educators which further motivates their students. 

Why does the STEM mindset matter?

Ashland, the Delaware STEM Council and Delaware Foundation for Science, Mathematics and Engineering (DFSME), and other sponsors recognize, celebrate and elevate the amazing educators in Delaware who are teaching STEM skills today to their students, for jobs that don’t even exist yet. Learn more from the educators themselves in this video.

Why is representation so important to STEM?

Self-esteem is important for increasing the participation of women and minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and STEM-related careers. Listen to what this year’s winning Delaware STEM Educators had to say about representation, self-esteem and their students. 

STEM impact from Delaware educators

2022

In 2022, the focus was on the world of opportunity that the Delaware STEM Educators bring to so many children. Topics like the next big issue facing the planet, how students can get involved and what success looks like in the real world, make a career in STEM possible to so many children and young adults. During the Delaware STEM Educator Awards, a dozen teachers received Excellence in Science Awards for a wide range of projects and programs including distance learning, early science education and STEM career-based programming. Five additional educators were singled out for special recognition including Maya Sethuraman from Princeton Day School who received the Edyth Malin Association for Women in Science- Philadelphia Chapter (AWISPHL) Award and Steffanie Jones from Unionville High School, recipient of the Board of Directors Award. 

Delaware STEM purpose 

Why are companies like Ashland so important to STEM programs? 
Hear from students and teachers about why corporate partnerships are so important.

What does success in STEM look like? 
A fascinating look at what success means to different students and teachers, depending on their goals, interests and grade level.

What STEM issues do you think teachers and students will deal with 20 years from now? 
Flash forward two decades for a fascinating look at the problems and potential solutions students and teachers think future generations of STEM advocates will tackle.