Enhancing and Engaging Our Communities
Science and Education
Focus on Science and Education
To help plant the seeds of innovation, PPG supports programs that broaden access to education and strengthen skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
PPG's strategy in championing STEM initiatives is defined by emerging macro-trends that influence the company's core markets, product offerings and technology needs (e.g., energy, environmental, consumer, security, new materials). As a result, PPG judiciously supports STEM programs that align with the company’s businesses and their respective technology needs and evolving product offerings. Realizing a finite resource pool, PPG supports STEM initiatives for nonprofit and governmental organizations that reflect the company’s global footprint; emphasize diversity and under-represented populations; focus on programmatic initiatives in preference to capital requests or promotional opportunities; and are tiered relative to type of support and eligibility at the local, state, regional, national and global levels. The following are examples of PPG’s education and STEM initiatives. For more, read PPG’s latest Sustainability Report.
Automotive Refinish Experts Bring Innovation to the Classroom
As part of an ongoing community outreach program, in 2012 PPG’s automotive refinish business representatives visited Hudson Middle School in Hudson, Ohio, USA to teach eighth-grade students about advances in automotive refinish color and technology. They showed painted panels and shared details about paint application and processes.
PPG Supports "SciGirls' to Encourage Future Scientists and Engineers"
PPG is helping to change the way millions of girls think about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through sponsorship of SciGirls, the PBS KIDS television series, website and educational initiative. PPG Industries Foundation provided a $25,000 grant to help finance the program’s 10-episode 2012 season. SciGirls encourages girls 9 to 13 to pursue careers in STEM, where women are traditionally underrepresented. SciGirls, which is based on best practices for engaging girls in STEM, offers inventive, fun and motivating videos and games across digital platforms popular among the target age group.
Transitions Optical Promotes Healthy Sight
In 2012, Transitions Optical, Inc. introduced its OFFCIAL SPONSER OF SIGHTSEEING® campaign with a five-city tour across the United States to educate consumers about the role vision plays in enjoying life’s experiences—and the importance of proper eye care and eyewear to see their best. Transitions Optical conducted more than free vision screenings and distributed educational materials and giveaways, including "Eye Didn’t Know That!" children's backpacks containing family-friendly learning resources.
PPG Lends Support for “Women in Engineering Program"
In 2011 and 2012, PPG Industries Foundation donated $5,000 to the Women in Engineering (WiE) Program at The Ohio State University to support the WiE CHEER (CHEmical Engineering Rocks!) summer day camp for girls about to enter ninth grade. The PPG grant helped to cover materials and activity costs for the five-day program, where the girls engaged in hands-on activities that introduced them to chemical engineering concepts, experiments and projects as if they were practicing chemical engineers.
PPG Unveils the Magic of Science at Metro Detroit Schools
Inspired by the Indiana Jones movie hero, “Ion Jones and the Lost Castle of Chemistry" is a 45-minute interactive, traveling science exploration show created by Carnegie Science Center of Pittsburgh with support from the PPG Industries Foundation and PPG. In September 2012, students from Walton Charter Academy in Pontiac, Mi., USA, took the imaginary journey with Ion Jones to observe real-life chemistry in action—witnessing a fiery volcano, a cola geyser, an exploding hydrogen-filled balloon and other chemistry experiments. The experience, presented by PPG and Chrysler Group LLC, helped students understand how chemistry affects industry, technology and the environment.
Along with the Ion Jones show, several other schools in the area learned about the science of climate change and renewable energy technology with “Captain Green’s Time Machine", another interactive Science on the Road educational program developed by PPG and the Carnegie Science Center. In total, the programs reached more than 3,000 students.
PPG Aerospace Helps Restore Historic Aircraft
In January 2012, PPG’s aerospace business donated coatings to restore a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor combat aircraft for display at the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center in West Chester, Pa., USA, PPG Aerospace supplied military primers and defense topcoats to create the special white, red and glossy black color scheme that met the original Federal Aviation Administration requirements 20 years ago. On loan to the museum by the U.S. Marine Corps, the V-22 Osprey is the only aircraft of its kind on public display in the world.
PPG and Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Renew Partnership
August 2011, PPG and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium announced a renewal of the partnership they started in 2001 that was set to expire in 2012. The renewal includes a $6.9 million PPG contribution over 10 years and the establishment of the PPG Conservation and Sustainability Fund, which will enable the zoo to support research and conservation work around the world, especially in countries where PPG operates. The 10-year agreement also supports expansion projects at the zoo, such as the Animal Health and Education Center and a new Top of the World reptile and mixed-species habitat.
PPG Latin America Provides Funding to the Wameru Zoo
PPG Latin America provided $60,000 to the Wameru Zoo in 2012 and 2013 from the Global Charitable Contributions Program, reflecting PPG’s interest and values by enhancing the quality of life in the Queretaro, Mexico community where PPG employees live and work. Through the program, PPG employees volunteered to participate in Zoo activities and maintenance.
Learn more about PPG’s efforts in its communities in the company’s latest Sustainability Report.
Official Sponsor of Sightseeing is a registered trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc. SciGirls, Indiana Jones, Boeing, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and other third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners.