In May, prior to starting their summer internships with BASF, five FOSSI scholars traveled to the Hilton Hotel in Short Hills, NJ, for an exciting 3-day orientation.
Ambrose Kee (North Carolina A&T State University), Summer Laird (FAMU), Zackery McCray (Prairie View A&M University), Chelsea Minard (Morgan State University), and Alina Tullos (Alabama A&M University), came from Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina and Texas and joined 37 other interns to learn more about BASF and what was in store for them.
More on the program
The program covered a variety of topics including what to expect of the intern experience, DEI and respect in the workplace, and an introduction to health and safety. In addition, scholars engaged in mock
networking and interviewing sessions.
Time was also allotted for community service and fun. Interns worked alongside the BASF Leadership Institute in a "Build a Bike for Charity" competition, with bikes donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Union County. There was also plenty of time for many delicious meals, and at an ERG Fair, interns were delighted to find a gelato truck onsite!
Closing activities
On the final day of the program, all lined up for professional headshots before heading to BASF’s NA 
Headquarters in Florham Park, where they enjoyed coffee with NA CEO Mike Heinz and networked with other BASF leaders, including NA President Marc Ehrhardt, FOSSI Sponsor and SVP Jason McAlpine, Chief Diversity Officer Patricia Rossman and VP Krisanne Pook.
As the event concluded, scholars were divided into groups based on their STEM majors and enjoyed an evening in Morristown with current and former interns.
BASF's Mike Heinz and future BASF intern share their thoughts on the program
Mike Heinz stated, “It was a pleasure to get to know the FOSSI scholars who have joined BASF’s internship program this summer. What truly inspired me was witnessing their passion for the future of
science, which is evident even in the early stages of their studies. I strongly support our commitment to empowering these bright minds by equipping them with invaluable skills, offering mentorships and opening doors for career advancements.”
FOSSI scholar Chelsea Minard, who will be working with BASF’s Personal Care group this summer, expressed her gratitude for the program. She commented, “I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. I’ve already learned so much, and met so many amazing people.”
BASF has been a proud supporter of FOSSI since its inception in 2020 and recently announced its commitment to continuing support of the program through 2028!
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.