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. As part of the relationship with grant recipient Twin Cities Public Television, these PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) scientists volunteered to show teachers how they can use resources associated with the "SciGirls" television program in the classroom to spark STEM interest.
PITTSBURGH, May 13, 2014 – 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 http://www.tpt.org (tpt) in Minnesota, supports national programming of “SciGirls http://national.tpt.org/2013/05/15/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 (NYSE:PPG) 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 <http://www.nevadachallenger.org/NevadaChallenger/Home.html> 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 <https://sci-quest.org/> in Huntsville, Alabama, where PPG operates an aerospace manufacturing facility, developing a “SciGirls” after-school club for girls; and
· WQED Multimedia <http://www.wqed.org/education> 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.
SciGirls (http://www.aboutscigirls.org) is an Emmy award-winning television program and transmedia program that draws on cutting-edge research about what engages girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning and careers. The PBS television show, destination website, and education and outreach have reached over 14 million girls, educators, and families, making it the most widely accessed girls’ STEM program available nationally.
The mission of tpt is to “enrich lives and strengthen our community through the power of media.” As one of the nation’s leading public media organizations, tpt uses television, interactive media, and community engagement to advance education, culture and citizenship. Over its 50 plus year history, tpt has been recognized for its innovation and creativity with numerous awards, including Peabody awards and national and regional Emmys. For more information about tpt, visit our website at www.tpt.org.
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