In 2023, SPARK, the extensive employee volunteer initiative that brings together MilliporeSigma employees from the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, made a significant impact worldwide. Engaging over 3,000 employees across 22 countries, the program facilitated more than 21,800 volunteer hours, reaching out to over 82,000 students and aiding local nonprofit organizations through both skills-based and non-skills-based activities.
Within the SPARK program, Curiosity Labs, which directly involves MilliporeSigma employees in classroom activities, saw expansion. Two new lessons were incorporated into the curriculum, totaling eight lessons altogether. Melissa Hackmeier, Head of Employee and Community Engagement, Sustainability Social Business Innovation at MilliporeSigma, highlighted the significance of these new additions, emphasizing their potential to unveil the science behind everyday concepts like germ detection and biologic therapies, thereby igniting students' interest in STEM careers.
Moreover, in 2023, the program's reach extended as over 500 employees across 11 countries volunteered more than 2,900 hours to deliver hands-on science lessons, benefiting over 9,800 students. This expansion not only broadened the scope of Curiosity Labs but also allowed students to engage with STEM professionals from their own communities.
Beyond Curiosity Labs and the Curiosity Cube, SPARK facilitated various other avenues for MilliporeSigma employees to contribute meaningfully to their communities. One such initiative was the company's annual global food drive, which saw participation from employees at 59 sites across 22 countries, resulting in the provision of 535,685 meals to those in need.
Click here to know more about SPARK and other employee volunteering programs at MilliporeSigma.
Within the SPARK program, Curiosity Labs, which directly involves MilliporeSigma employees in classroom activities, saw expansion. Two new lessons were incorporated into the curriculum, totaling eight lessons altogether. Melissa Hackmeier, Head of Employee and Community Engagement, Sustainability Social Business Innovation at MilliporeSigma, highlighted the significance of these new additions, emphasizing their potential to unveil the science behind everyday concepts like germ detection and biologic therapies, thereby igniting students' interest in STEM careers.
Moreover, in 2023, the program's reach extended as over 500 employees across 11 countries volunteered more than 2,900 hours to deliver hands-on science lessons, benefiting over 9,800 students. This expansion not only broadened the scope of Curiosity Labs but also allowed students to engage with STEM professionals from their own communities.
Beyond Curiosity Labs and the Curiosity Cube, SPARK facilitated various other avenues for MilliporeSigma employees to contribute meaningfully to their communities. One such initiative was the company's annual global food drive, which saw participation from employees at 59 sites across 22 countries, resulting in the provision of 535,685 meals to those in need.
Click here to know more about SPARK and other employee volunteering programs at MilliporeSigma.