PITTSBURGH – 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, AL, where PPG operates an aerospace manufacturing facility, developing a “SciGirls” after-school club for girls; and
• WQED Multimedia in Pittsburgh, where PPG Industries’ 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.”

SciGirls 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.