Students at Mac Williams Middle School now have a new way to learn beyond the four walls of the classroom. In early September, the school community joined with Chemours Fayetteville Works to cut the ribbon on a new outdoor classroom designed to spark curiosity and expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities.

The open-air space features seating and work areas that will serve more than 1,000 students each year with interactive lessons in agriculture, life sciences and other STEM subjects. The project is part of a growing partnership between the school and Chemours through its ChemFEST (Chemours Future of Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology) program.

“This outdoor classroom is more than just a space—it’s a symbol of our commitment to giving every student access to creative, hands-on learning experiences,” said Seth Bailey, Chemours Fayetteville Plant Manager. “I’ve seen firsthand how partnerships can spark curiosity and inspire young people to consider STEM pathways for their future. The future of chemistry—and innovation—is right here in Fayetteville, and we’re happy to support that. We are proud to partner with Mac Williams Middle School to help build the next generation of innovators.”

Principal Anita McLaughlin praised the investment and impact on her students. “We are so grateful to Chemours for investing in our students and school community,” McLaughlin said. “This outdoor classroom will open new doors for hands-on learning and spark a lifelong love of science in our students.”

The project builds on Chemours’ multi-year collaboration with Mac Williams Middle School, which has already expanded STEM-based lab modules to every grade level and connected students with Chemours employees who volunteer their time. Additionally, this partnership has increased student participation in STEM learning by 10%. The initiative ensures fair access to engaging, real-world science experiences for middle school students in Cumberland County.

The Chemours Company

The Chemours Company

About The Chemours Company

The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in providing industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and advanced electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Through our three businesses – Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Titanium Technologies, and Advanced Performance Materials – we deliver application expertise and chemistry-based innovations that solve customers’ biggest challenges. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Opteon™, Freon™, Ti-Pure™, Nafion™, Teflon™, Viton™, and Krytox™. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC, Chemours has approximately 6,000 employees and 28 manufacturing sites and serves approximately 2,500 customers in approximately 110 countries. For more information, visit chemours.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

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