RALEIGH, N.C.— Wake Education Partnership a business-backed nonprofit organization committed to improving public education in the Wake County Public School System, today announced a $15,000 investment from BASF. For the second year in a row, BASF has invested a gift above $10,000, which makes them a cornerstone investor of WakeEd.

WakeEd Partnership will use the funding from BASF and other local businesses to support programming in the local Wake County Public School System. Founded in 1983 by local businessmen and women, WakeEd Partnership is the leading organization supporting educator in Wake County, investing over $1 million through teacher innovation grants. In addition, the nonprofit also provides commentary about crucial topics affecting Wake County’s public schools, such as school budgets, teacher pay, and school grading.

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“We are so excited to have BASF as an investor for the second year in a row,” said WakeEd Partnership President Steve Parrott. “We are humbled by their generosity and will use their donation to better the Wake County Public School System.”

“It’s important for businesses to help educators understand how their curriculum is relevant to the work being accomplished in the business community,” said Stephanie Jensen, BASF North America Crop Protection group controlling and data management director and Wake Education Partnership Board of Directors member. “Through our collaboration with Wake Education Partnership, the SummerSTEM program in particular, we are able to help teachers better understand what skills are needed for various careers and learn more about current industry practices. This knowledge better prepares them with the tools they need to guide students on their educational journey.”

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at www.basf.com.

About BASF’s Crop Protection division

With sales of more than €5.8 billion in 2015, BASF’s Crop Protection division provides innovative solutions for agriculture, turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. Our broad portfolio of active ingredients, seed treatments, biological controls, formulations and services optimizes efficient production of high quality food and protects against post-harvest loss, damage to buildings and the transmission of disease. By delivering new technologies and know-how, BASF Crop Protection supports the effort of growers and pest management professionals to make a better life for themselves and society. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or on our social media channels.

About WakeEd Partnership

WakeEd Partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders committed to improving public education. Since 1983, the Partnership has advocated for excellent educational opportunities for all students in the Wake County Public School System. For more information, please visit www.wakeed.org.