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Aerial view of a green truss bridge spanning a wide river during sunset. The sun is low on the horizon, casting warm colors over the water. Lush green trees line the riverbanks, and buildings are visible in the distance.

Community Involvement

Giving Back to Starved Rock Country

At Carus, our dedication to the communities in which we operate goes far beyond industry boundaries. We actively participate in initiatives that resonate with our Core Elements of Community Outreach: Environment, Education, and Local Community Support. These elements steer our impactful outreach endeavors, shaping our commitment to making a difference.

Our community outreach efforts are led by our communications manager, with support from the HR team and fun committees, focusing on sponsorships, donations, and volunteer opportunities. Together, these teams work to partner with local schools, nonprofits, and other organizations to create meaningful and lasting contributions to the communities we serve.

In addition, Carus sponsors one volunteer day per year for employees to serve the local community. Many of our team members also actively engage in their communities through roles on school boards, volunteer firefighting teams, community foundation boards, and other nonprofit organizations.

In 2024 Alone

$88k

Invested in community outreach initiatives, sponsorships, and events to support local impact.

53 Local Causes

Focused on a wide range of initiatives to address important needs within our community.

46 Local Organizations

Collaborated with trusted partners to create meaningful, local impact.

Boys in blue shirts and shorts are launching model rockets in a park. One uses a pump while others prepare the rockets. They're surrounded by green grass and trees on a sunny day.
A group of seven people wearing hard hats and protective coats are standing in a circle in an industrial setting. They appear to be discussing something. Some are holding clipboards. The background shows industrial buildings and equipment.
A teacher in a red shirt assists three children in a science lab. They wear safety goggles and work with test tubes and a flame. The setting is bright and educational, with supplies and beakers visible in the background.
A teacher conducts a science experiment with liquid nitrogen in a classroom. Onlookers, including children, watch as a cloud of vapor rises from a bucket. The room has desks, a whiteboard, and posters, and an American flag is visible in the corner.
A group of people dressed warmly, wearing matching beanies, pose together outdoors at night. Behind them are festive holiday lights, including trees and candy canes illuminated in red and green. A child is held by one of the adults.
Four people are standing in a grocery store with two shopping carts full of various food items. The group appears to be smiling and posing for the photo. Shelves with snacks and other products are visible in the background.
A group of people, including adults and children, stand together on a grassy area near a lake, surrounded by trees. They are wearing jackets and holding garbage bags, suggesting participation in a clean-up activity. Smiles indicate a positive and collaborative effort.
Six people stand in front of the Carus Chemical Company building. They are smiling and dressed in casual to business-casual attire. A sign behind them reads, "working with Responsible Care." Bushes are visible at the bottom.
A person with short hair sits at a desk working on a laptop. They are wearing a light blue polo shirt and holding a blue folder. The desk has a keyboard, monitor, closed magazine, and a tumbler. Natural light comes through a window in the background.
Four people stand indoors, smiling. Two men wear suits, while two women are in casual business attire. They are between two banners with the Carus logo. One man hands a woman a document or card.
A group of nine people, five men and four women, stand smiling in front of a large, white corrugated metal door. They are wearing casual clothing, including jeans and jackets, and appear to be in a garage or warehouse setting.
Four people standing and smiling in front of two Carus promotional banners in an office setting. Three are wearing business attire, and one is in a floral skirt and black top.

Our Core Elements of Community Outreach

By embracing our Core Elements of Community Outreach, Carus continues to foster a culture of meaningful engagement, positively impacting the areas where we live and work.

Green Earth illustration with a leaf integrated into the globe design, highlighting Europe and Africa. The green leaf wraps around the left side, symbolizing environmental conservation and sustainability.

ENVIRONMENT

  • Support of Local, Environmentally Focused Projects & Events
  • Partnerships with Other Local Organizations on Environmental Initiatives
  • Participation in Litter Removal/Cleanup in Local & State Parks
  • Community Recycling & Waste Disposal Events
Illustration of a blue laboratory flask stacked on top of three books. The books are slightly tilted, and the flask appears to have measurement lines. The design is simple and stylized.

EDUCATION

  • Internship Opportunities
  • Summer Science Camp for Kids
  • Career Fairs & Exploration Events
  • Chemistry Demonstrations
  • STEM and Technical Career Scholarships
Three abstract human figures are depicted in a teal color. The central figure stands with arms down, while the two figures on either side raise their arms outward. The image conveys a sense of unity and celebration.

LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT

  • Helping Address the Most Significant Local Needs, such as Mental Health and Substance Abuse & Addiction
  • Supporting Local Causes
  • Collaborating with Local Entities to Provide Resources and Support Where It’s Needed Most.
Two people stand behind a table with a "Carus" logo at a gym event. The table has informational materials, small cups, and bowls of candy. Next to them is a tall banner about environmental solutions by Carus since 1915.

Discover Manufacturing Career Expo 2024: Inspiring the Next Generation at Carus

As part of Manufacturing Month, Carus proudly participated in the 10th annual Discover Manufacturing Career Expo on October 15th, hosting high school students from LaSalle-Peru Township and La Moille High Schools at our LaSalle manufacturing site. 

Learn More

More About Our Community Involvement

Boys in blue shirts and shorts are launching model rockets in a park. One uses a pump while others prepare the rockets. They're surrounded by green grass and trees on a sunny day.

Summer Science Camp

Our annual Summer Science Camp provides a week filled with educational, hands-on science experiments and programs free-of-charge to students entering 6th grade. Campers are introduced to principles of geology, biology, physics, chemistry, and astronomy. Guided by local teachers and former campers in a classroom setting, students engage in experiments that enhance their understanding of the world around them and encourage a life-long love of learning.

A group of people wearing yellow hard hats and dark coats stand inside a factory. A person in a red hard hat and neon safety vest gestures while talking to the group. Industrial equipment and large pipes are visible in the background.

Career Exploration

Carus is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of professionals by participating in local career fairs and events hosted by area schools and career centers. We proudly co-sponsor the Discover Manufacturing Career Expo, an event designed to educate local high school students about the wide range of career opportunities available in manufacturing, right here in their community. Through these efforts, we aim to showcase the exciting possibilities within manufacturing and encourage students to explore fulfilling careers close to home.

A teacher in a red shirt assists three children in a science lab. They wear safety goggles and work with test tubes and a flame. The setting is bright and educational, with supplies and beakers visible in the background.

Scientific Work Experience Program for Teachers (SWEPT)

Piloted as an externship in 1998 by Carus, the Scientific Work Experience Program provides teachers with workplace experience that connects curriculum and instruction to the “real world” of work. The SWEPT program furthers their professional development and supports a better understanding of career opportunities in the rapidly-changing fields of science, math, and technology.

A teacher conducts a science experiment with liquid nitrogen in a classroom. Onlookers, including children, watch as a cloud of vapor rises from a bucket. The room has desks, a whiteboard, and posters, and an American flag is visible in the corner.

Chemistry Demonstrations

Carus actively supports STEM education by sponsoring and volunteering for engaging chemistry demonstrations in the community. Whether at local events, educational camps, or other learning venues, our employees bring science to life through hands-on experiments designed to inspire curiosity and a love for learning. Aligned with our commitment to Responsible Care®, these demonstrations also emphasize the importance of chemical safety, helping students understand how to handle chemicals responsibly in everyday life.

Four people stand indoors holding a large ceremonial check for $25,000 made out to LP High School. They are positioned in front of a wooden bookshelf with framed items, smiling for the photo.

Fostering Relationships with Local Schools

Carus actively partners with superintendents, educators, and leaders at elementary schools, high schools, community colleges, and regional universities to support STEM education and career development programs. Our collaborations include partnerships with Illinois Valley Community College, LaSalle-Peru High School, Saint Bede Academy, and other local schools. Additionally, we proudly sponsor trivia night fundraisers and other initiatives that benefit local education and enrich our community’s future.

A group of people dressed warmly, wearing matching beanies, pose together outdoors at night. Behind them are festive holiday lights, including trees and candy canes illuminated in red and green. A child is held by one of the adults.

Supporting Our Community During the Holidays

Carus is committed to spreading warmth and joy during the holiday season through meaningful community initiatives. Our annual Giving Fence invites the local community to donate warm winter items—such as coats, hats, and gloves—outside our Peru headquarters, creating a shared resource for those in need. Additionally, we proudly support Blue and Red Christmas for Kids, a heartfelt fundraising effort by the Peru Police Department that ensures children in our community receive toys and presents during the holidays.

Through these initiatives, we strive to make the season brighter for those who need it most, reinforcing our commitment to giving back and creating a stronger, more connected community.

Four people are standing in a grocery store with two shopping carts full of various food items. The group appears to be smiling and posing for the photo. Shelves with snacks and other products are visible in the background.

Supporting Local Nonprofits

Carus organizes collections throughout the year to support local nonprofits, which have included donations of non-perishable food for local pantries, school supplies for the YMCA’s Back-to-School Drive, and pet supplies for a local animal rescue. We also participate in initiatives like the Coldest Night of the Year, a fundraising walk benefiting Illinois Valley PADS, our local homeless shelter. These efforts bring employees and the community together to provide vital resources to those in need.

A group of people, including adults and children, stand together on a grassy area near a lake, surrounded by trees. They are wearing jackets and holding garbage bags, suggesting participation in a clean-up activity. Smiles indicate a positive and collaborative effort.

Community Cleanups

Carus’ commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond our products to hands-on action in our community. Each year, we proudly sponsor and volunteer for the Perfectly Flawed Foundation’s Earth Day Cleanup, alongside other local and state park projects, where employees help remove litter and debris to keep these spaces clean and welcoming for all. These efforts reflect our dedication to creating cleaner, safer environments for everyone to enjoy.

Six people stand in front of the Carus Chemical Company building. They are smiling and dressed in casual to business-casual attire. A sign behind them reads, "working with Responsible Care." Bushes are visible at the bottom.

Internship Opportunities

It’s important for young people to explore career interests through applied learning opportunities, and Carus has a robust internship program with a new group of students each summer. Our interns are exposed to real world work experiences to help guide their career path. We welcome students from several fields of study including chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental health & safety, as well as finance, IT, human resources, and more.

A person with short hair sits at a desk working on a laptop. They are wearing a light blue polo shirt and holding a blue folder. The desk has a keyboard, monitor, closed magazine, and a tumbler. Natural light comes through a window in the background.

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Since 1987, Carus has proudly supported higher education through our Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which sponsors college tuition for employees, their spouses, and dependents. By investing in education, we aim to inspire local students to build their futures within our community. To date, TAP has provided nearly $6 million in college tuition, enabling past recipients to pursue diverse careers, including school superintendents, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, business owners, and more—helping to strengthen and enrich our local community.

A large group of people stands in front of a colorful bus with 'Makers' written on its side. The bus is parked next to a tree under a clear blue sky. The group is diverse and appears to be posing for a group photo.

Championing Industry Collaboration

We stay closely connected to organizations like the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA), and the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois (CICI), among others. Through these partnerships, we ensure our team is informed about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping our industry. These collaborations reinforce our mission to lead with purpose and drive progress for the future of manufacturing and chemistry. Our team recently had the honor of hosting a stop on IMA’s “Makers on the Move” Bus Tour highlighting our commitment to celebrating and advancing manufacturing excellence in Illinois.

A group of nine people, five men and four women, stand smiling in front of a large, white corrugated metal door. They are wearing casual clothing, including jeans and jackets, and appear to be in a garage or warehouse setting.

Community Advisory Panel (CAP)

Transparency with the local community is important, and Carus is committed to maintaining open communication with members of the community. Carus is a member of a Community Advisory Panel alongside other area chemical companies. The group shares EHSS data and performance data, as well as other non-confidential business information. The goal is to educate and inform local community leaders about how safely we operate, and the great things our products do for the world.

Four people standing and smiling in front of two Carus promotional banners in an office setting. Three are wearing business attire, and one is in a floral skirt and black top.

Scholarships for STEM & Technical Careers

As part of our continued support of educational initiatives in our community, we offer a pair of $4,000 scholarships for Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) students pursuing a future in STEM and technical careers. The “Carus Future of STEM Scholarship” benefits students in chemistry, engineering, environmental studies and industrial engineering technology, while the “Carus Technical Career Advancement Scholarship” aids students in industrial maintenance, manufacturing, technology and those planning to become electricians.

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