PPG Donates $65,000 for STEM Education Programs for Girls

The PPG Industries Foundation donated $65,000 for educational programs that aim to teach girls about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and encourage them to pursue careers in related fields.

The initial grant, to Twin Cities Public Television (tpt) in Minnesota, supports national programming of “SciGirls,” a PBS television show for young people ages 8-13 that showcases girls using science and engineering in their daily lives. This is the second year the foundation has supported the program and partnered with tpt to have PPG Industries  scientists show teachers in their communities how resources associated with the “SciGirls” program can be used in the classroom to spark STEM interest.

The three grants that fund related programming in PPG communities support the following:

·         Challenger Learning Center of Northern Nevada in Reno – near PPG’s McCarran, Nevada, architectural coatings plant – inviting seven Girl Scouts troops to participate in “SciGirls”/Challenger Center Simulated Space Missions to Mars;

·         Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where PPG operates an aerospace manufacturing facility, developing a “SciGirls” after-school club for girls; and

·         WQED Multimedia in Pittsburgh, where PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) global headquarters is located, holding a “SciGirls” parent forum/workshop to discuss the importance of STEM education for girls.

“Our primary funding focus is on education, particularly pertaining to STEM subjects, and these programs all demonstrate creative ways to engage young people – especially girls – in STEM learning in our PPG communities,” said Sue Sloan, executive director, PPG Industries Foundation. “PPG is pleased to support these organizations in stimulating interest in these areas and helping develop tomorrow’s scientists and workforce.”

Established in 1951, the PPG Industries Foundation demonstrates the values of PPG Industries by enhancing the quality of life in communities where the company has a presence. Interests of the foundation, in order of priority, are education, human services, culture and arts, and civic and community affairs. PPG also supports charitable causes by encouraging employees’ volunteerism and board service with nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.ppgfoundation.com.