As part of its longstanding commitment to supporting education and in honor of its new manufacturing plant in Chicago, Cargill has donated $10,000 to Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences.
Funds from Cargill will be used to expand the biotechnology curriculum at the school, which offers unique agricultural education and development opportunities for Chicago Public School students interesting in pursuing careers in the field. Additionally the donation will also go toward two college scholarships for seniors who are planning to attend four-year schools and major in agricultural studies.
“Prior to receiving this generous donation from Cargill, we had limited resources and equipment to advance our biotechnology courses,” said Lucille Shaw, master teacher and FFA advisor at the school. “This goes a long way toward helping us equip our lab and support our students.”
Cargill’s donation comes on the heels of the company opening a new, biobased polyols manufacturing plant on Chicago’s South side. The Torrence Avenue plant, which began production in Sept. 2008, makes Cargill’s soybean-based BiOH® brand polyols – an ingredient that replaces petroleum-based chemicals traditionally used in polyurethane products such as flexible foam cushioning for furniture, bedding, and automotive products.
“In our line of work we truly understand the importance of a solid agriculture and biotechnology background,” said Ellen Brady, manager of the new plant. “These students are the future workforce and the future of Chicago, and we’re proud to be able to contribute to their education.”
Cargill’s BiOH polyols, which are produced from a renewable resource, present a more sustainable option for manufacturers and ultimately consumers trying to reduce their environmental footprint. Companies interested in learning more about BiOH products and where they can be found should contact Cargill via phone at 1-877-POLYBiOH (765-9246) or e-mail at bioh@cargill.com.
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 160,000 people in 67 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit www.cargill.com.