By Jennifer Calloway
February 12, 2007

Two days after President Bush’s State of the Union Address and one day after President Bush toured DuPont’s Global research and development facility, the Experimental Station, where he was able to see some of DuPont’s leading edge biofuels and alternative energy research, Mary Kate Campbell, DuPont’s Public Affairs Manager, addressed The U.S. Conference of Mayor’s 75th Winter Meeting, highlighting the last five years of the USCM-DuPont Cities United for Science Progress (CUSP) partnership.

The message Campbell delivered was the state of CUSP is strong. In fact in many respects, 2006 was DuPont’s best year ever partnering with the mayors. Over one hundred DuPont engineers visited 29 different cities and spent the day with mayors teaching elementary school kids about science as part of the USCM-DuPont Science in the School Day program.

More and more, both public and private sectors are realizing how vitally important proficiency in science is to our nation’s future. Through CUSP, Campbell said, “We are working to introduce kids to science in a fun way — to introduce them to some of our youngest, brightest and most promising scientists. And believe me when I tell you there is not a pocket protector among them.”

Campbell went on to note that in 2006 alone, DuPont reached more than 10,000 children with the message that science is fun, that it is something that everyone can do, and that people from all different backgrounds grow up to be scientists. Since the inception of the USCM-DuPont partnership, close to 20,000 kids have taken part in a hands-on science experiment with their mayor. “We are really proud of that,” said Campbell, “and hope that more of you will take advantage of this program. We’d be thrilled to stand in front of you next year and report that we’ve doubled that number.”

President Bush’s visit to DuPont was a reinforcement of the importance of science and innovation. DuPont’s biofuel strategy is delivering new technologies to accelerate the growth of the biofuels market while reducing reliance on petroleum, a key component of the Conference of Mayors climate protection efforts.

“I think that it is important to point out here that this strategy, which has tremendous potential global impact, comes about only because of scientists… who at one time, sat in a science class, and got excited about science and what it could do. We need more of that —as a company and as a nation.” Campbell said.

Additionally, there were other successes in 2006. DuPont and the Conference of Mayors had some wonderful winners in the Lead Safe for Kids Sake grant program. In 2006 $375,000 was awarded to three mayors. One of the winners, Racine (WI) Mayor Gary Becker leveraged the $100,000 grant from DuPont to apply for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds. That turned $100,000 into $3.9 million, which the community will use to continue to make its neighborhoods lead safe.

Despite the good work the partnership has done together and the remarkable results it has achieved, Campbell is concerned. “I know that some cities have chosen a path that could undermine this progress. Unfortunately, some have filed lawsuits against companies that made lead pigments used in paints decades — even a century ago. And I’m sure that it will come as no surprise to anyone in this room when I say that we believe this litigation is misguided, that it is without merit, and, most importantly, that it will not do anything to solve the challenges faced by cities,” Campbell said.

“Blighted properties where landlords neglect their responsibility to protect children from a myriad of risks arising from poor maintenance have— and should continue to be— our focus. But, at the end of the day you decide what is best for your city,” Campbell continued.

In encouraging dialog Campbell concluded, “I honestly don’t believe that you can make the best decision for your city without all the facts. And so I would encourage you to make certain that you do have all the information on this issue before you make a decision. We obviously have some experience in this area, and, as always, you can call on us at anytime.”

Campbell then opened the 2007 Lead'safe for Kids Sake grant program. The sixth year awards will be made in Los Angeles at the 75th Annual Meeting. Applications are due April 20. In stressing the importance of being involved with the mayors for the sixth consecutive year, giving out grants, Campbell hailed the success of the grant program. “As I stand here in 2007, in the sixth year of our partnership, probably the best news on the issue of elevated blood lead levels in children is the progress that has been made. According to the CDC, the reduction in elevated blood lead levels in cities across the nation has been one of the biggest public health success stories of the past fifty years. As a result, blood lead levels throughout the country are now lower than they have been in recent history,” Campbell stated. Together, the mayors and DuPont can continue to work together to reduce childhood lead poisoning and put the focus on the primary culprit—bad landlords and aging, poorly maintained housing, Campbell urged. “We will award two grants, each for $100,000 — to the cities that propose the most promising and creative lead safety programs.”

Lastly, Campbell stressed the word partnership and the open dialog that is important for the partnership to continue to be successful. In listening to mayors around the country, from big and small cities and urban and suburban communities, DuPont responded to concerns of some mayors to tweak the program this year to make it more valuable.

Campbell explained, “To that end, and based on successes such as those that Detroit, Miami, St. Louis, and Racine have experienced — where they were able to use our grant as the seed money for much larger grants from other sources, such as HUD, we have created the USCM/DuPont technical assistance fund.”

Through this program cities can apply for technical assistance grants to support ongoing efforts to create lead safe communities. These funds will help provide access to grant writers, lead safety experts and other resources that can help take your program to the next level.

CUSP will have more details on this in the weeks to come, so please be on the lookout and put these funds to good use. For more information, contact Jennifer Calloway at 202-466-7324 or send an e-mail to jennifer@cusponline.org to learn more about Science in the School Day or either of the grant programs.