PPG and C3 Support Dutch STEM Competition for Vocational Students

PPG has announced the successful conclusion of the Beta Tournament, a national competition in the Netherlands for vocational students aged 15-16. The tournament is one of the STEM activities PPG supports through its partnership with Dutch education nonprofit Centrum JongerenCommunicatie Chemie (C3). C3 is focused on introducing children and young people to chemistry and life sciences.

The Beta Tournament took place at two secondary vocational education institutes – Rijn IJssel in Arnhem and Summa in Eindhoven. Students in teams of three conducted experiments with the theme of “Paint.” In Arnhem, the first prize was won by students from NSG Groenewoud in Nijmegen, while in Eindhoven the first prize went to students from Newmancollege in Breda. A total of 39 student teams participated in the competition.

PPG sponsored the first prize for the tournament. The Top Sector Chemistry, a partnership between companies, science and government, sponsored the second prize. The Royal Dutch Chemistry Association (VNCI) sponsored the third prize.

In addition to the student competition, the Beta Tournament also includes an annual program of workshops for teachers. These workshops are designed to tie in with the students' assignments and cover the latest developments in education. Teachers can also participate in the competition without a student team.

PPG’s support for the Beta Tournament is part of the company’s broader commitment to STEM education and community engagement. In 2023, PPG and the PPG Foundation invested more than $17.5 million in community programs, with a focus on education and workforce development.