MilliporeSigma's SPARK Program: Empowering Communities & Advancing STEM Education

At MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, giving back isn’t just a responsibility—it’s deeply embedded in the company’s culture. In 2024, the SPARK employee volunteer program empowered team members to create a meaningful impact in communities worldwide. Through both skills-based and general volunteering, more than 4,100 employees across 29 countries collectively contributed over 29,900 hours, inspiring curiosity in over 108,700 students.

With the increasing need for professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the Curiosity Labs program continues to play a crucial role in addressing this demand. In 2024, the program introduced two new lessons—Green Chemistry and Designing Dyes—reaching a record 15,297 students with the support of 792 dedicated volunteers. The program’s library now includes 10 lessons, with another set to launch in 2025.

Beyond advancing STEM education, SPARK encourages employees to take part in initiatives that positively impact their local communities. A standout effort in 2024 was the annual Global Food Drive, which united employees from 61 sites across 21 countries in the fight against food insecurity. This initiative provided 400,979 meals to individuals and families in need, exemplifying how small acts of service can lead to significant change.

For more details on SPARK and other employee volunteer programs at MilliporeSigma, click here.