Earlier this year, DAP and non-profit Learning Undefeated came together in an effort to educate, elevate and empower students by demonstrating the exciting nature of STEM-related careers. Through panels, presentations and an enthusiastic spotlight video, DAP employees Kyle Wilson, Anna Bollino and Angelina Sprecher played a large role in this initiative.
With an undergraduate degree in forensic chemistry and a master’s in forensic osteology, Wilson was recognized by Learning Undefeated as a STEM Hero. During his spotlight video, Wilson takes students behind the scenes to experience what it’s like to be a formulation chemist at DAP. Having previously worked as a summer camp counselor, along with running his own science camps for children, Wilson was thrilled to share his passion for science and participate in a program designed to educate and empower students.
Science is often seen by students as too challenging or even boring—which is why this program is so crucial. Designed to provide life-changing STEM experiences for students from underserved communities and feature young professionals from diverse backgrounds who work in STEM-related fields, this program engages students in activities they would not be able to experience in a traditional classroom setting.
Helping others succeed by using one’s time in service is at the core of DAP’s community impact statement and RPM’s Value of 168 corporate philosophy—which is exactly what these DAP associates exhibited. In looking back on his participation with Learning Undefeated, Wilson remarked, “If my involvement in this program helps one child in making the decision to go into a STEM career, then it will all have been worth it.”