Workforce Development
The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation recognizes the tremendous opportunities available to the soybean industry through the emerging bioproducts industry. With an unmatched combination of agricultural production and chemical and polymer manufacturing, along with world-class research in these fields, Ohio is uniquely positioned to lead the development of this industry. We also understand the role of biotechnology in the advancement of our industry.
However, Ohio will lead only if we have a highly-trained and skilled workforce to meet the needs in the development of biotechnology and bioproducts. To promote this goal, the Ohio Soybean Council Foundation provides education and activities for K-12 students in this area. We seek to create opportunities for the soybean industry through greater demand for soybeans, and to open the door to new career opportunities for Ohio students.
Why Bioproducts?
Consumers, businesses and government entities are increasing demand for environmentally friendly, renewable products and materials-everything from household cleaners and paints to polymers. Many of these new bioproducts can be made with soybeans, usually as a substitute for petroleum.
Science Fair Awards
The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation sponsors awards for the best projects in the area of agriculture, bio-sciences, bio-resources, biopolymers, bio-products, and/or bio-fuels using soybeans at the annual State Science Day, presented by the Ohio Academy of Sciences. These awards are available to students from grades 7-12 who participate in State Science Day. Click here to read more.
OSCF understands that tomorrow's innovations in the soybean industry will be produced by today's best and brightest science students. The combination of soybeans and science, technology, engineering and math has produced new uses and bioproducts such as environmentally-friendly soy-based inks, toners, adhesives and plastics. Home-grown fuels like biodiesel improve air quality and reduce dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.
Each year, OSCF offers awares to the best science projects from district competition and the State Science Day, held on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus.
Click here to see the list of past winners and winning projects.
Scarlet and Gray Ag Day at The Ohio State University
The Ohio Soybean Council and the Ohio Soybean Council Foundation assist with the organization and implementation of Scarlet and Gray Ag Day at OSU. The purpose of this event is to introduce elementary school students, primarily 4th graders, to agriculture and farming. More than 600 students participate each year. OSC and OSCF present student workshops covering animal agriculture, new uses, soy biodiesel, as well as teacher workshops on various topics.
