Three Missouri institutions are joining forces with major funding to address critical manufacturing skills and workforce needs.

PPG's $150,000 grant supports the Foundation for Environmental Educatio’s global climate education initiatives, impacting 30,000 schools and 1 million students worldwide.

Leveraging his extensive experience and expertise as a Senior Project Manager at Tnemec, Glenn Hauser will engage and empower students with advanced knowledge in corrosion prevention and protective coatings application.

The collaboration, known as the California Research Alliance (CARA), has fostered 94 peer-reviewed papers, 47 patent applications, and multiple technologies integrated into BASF products, among other initiatives. 

Researchers at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering explore using piezoelectric nanoparticles for smart material design. The team discovered a key role for friction between particles in causing the materials to flip from a fluid to a more solid structure. Potential applications are paint that does not clump, liquids that harden into a mold when shaken, and wearable protective gear that stiffens when hit.

As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

The coatings formulation process looks a lot like it did 30 years ago, with spreadsheets, notebooks, and time-consuming rounds of hands-on testing. By combining powerful data and decades of knowledge, digital coatings formulation platforms help to enhance the formulation process, streamline testing, improve the customer experience, and more, revolutionizing the industry.

The North America Graduate Engineering Trainee (GET) program graduates developed their leadership, project management, data analysis, technical, and paint manufacturing skills across multiple sites in North America. The program is designed to prepare participants for key roles in managerial or experts’ positions.

The projects were carried out at the Lucie Aubrac school in Moreuil and the Association Pour l'Enfance Rurale (APER) in Saultain. PPG donated nearly 100 gallons (450 liters) of its SEIGNEURIE paint. 

In the second year of New Paint for a New Start, PPG employees around the world are volunteering their time throughout the months of June, July and August to transform more than 25 schools.