Workforce Recruitment and Development Initiative

Guiding the Students of Today and Tomorrow

To skip this introduction and begin your exploration of the WR&D Initiative, please choose from the following links:

• Overall Student Guide
  The "Student Guide" provides general information about the WR&D Initiative.
• Education
• Scholarships
• Internships
• Student Chapters
• Student Colloquia
• Career Assistance

The rubber, elastomer and polymer industry needs you. If you are a high school or college student interested in becoming part of a fascinating profession in chemistry, rubber, elastomer or polymer technology, then the Rubber Division has a plan for you. The Division has formed a cooperative partnership with industry senior leaders, universities and Rubber Groups to participate in a comprehensive plan to help you from your first year in college to your first job in the industry.

The WR&D Initiative centers around six areas that provide opportunities to get involved and learn what the industry has to offer. Our goals are to:

• be proactive in attracting, educating, training and recruiting talented and qualified students into the rubber and affiliated industry to be part of the future workforce;
• provide a centralized way for students to find and understand opportunities in education, networking, internships, scholarships and other resources available from all key partners;
• get students involved in the rubber and affiliated industry as high school seniors, immediately upon entering college, and throughout their college careers;
• help students find their first job in the rubber and affiliated industry upon graduation;
• continue to develop and improve upon student-oriented programs and resources.