The PPG Industries Foundation has donated $5,000 to Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) for its Women in Science and Engineering Roundtable (WISER) program. The funding, on behalf of PPG Industries’ automotive coatings facilities in Cleveland and Euclid, Ohio, supports development-related activities for women majoring in disciplines related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).

“We are very grateful for PPG’s donation, which helps WISER continue to provide experiences for undergraduate women that will positively influence their pursuit of STEMM-related majors and careers,” said Shannon B. Lundeen, director of the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women at CWRU, which oversees the WISER program. “PPG’s support is a great example of how academia and industry can partner to offer students more opportunities for investigating and getting excited about real-world STEMM professions.”

WISER is a student group that offers women pursuing STEMM-related degrees at CWRU a supportive learning community and the tools they need to succeed. The program promotes students’ academic excellence by engaging them in professional and peer mentoring relationships, as well as community outreach, to encourage the next generation of women in STEMM.

““Because we value programs that help prepare tomorrow’s STEMM leaders, PPG is excited to be building a relationship with WISER and Case Western Reserve,” said Robin Tanaka, PPG plant manager at the Euclid, Ohio, manufacturing facility. “Our support will expand learning opportunities for young women at CWRU and grow our ties with this well-respected research institution. We are proud to help grow students’ interest in STEMM careers and encourage them to share that enthusiasm in the community and in their careers.”