Dec 7, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

PPG Foundation Donates $40,000 to University of Akron Polymer Research Mentorship Program

The PPG Foundation today announced a $40,000 grant to the University of Akron’s (UA) College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering to support the school’s new polymer research mentorship program.

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The donation allows the program to provide support for graduate students who wish to mentor undergraduate students pursuing UA’s new minor in polymer science and polymer engineering. Funding will go toward graduate assistants, undergraduate research students and research expenses. UA plans to recruit four teams of graduate and undergraduate students to begin working together in the summer and fall of 2018.

“One of the best ways to learn is by teaching, and in research, this means mentoring,” said Eric Amis, dean, UA College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. “PPG’s generous gift will assist selected student researchers and their doctoral student mentors in this new program. We are excited to have this opportunity for our Ph.D. candidates to mentor undergraduate students on projects they design and conduct.”

The application process will be announced each fall and spring semester for projects starting in summer, fall or spring, as appropriate. A committee of faculty in the UA College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering will consider applications and make recommendations.

The teams will present their work as participants in the annual UA College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering Polymers Appreciation Day poster session. They also will have the opportunity to visit PPG research centers to discuss their work and learn more about the company.

About the University of Akron

The University of Akron (UA) is the region’s most influential public research university, contributing to the resurgence of the local economy, providing a highly skilled workforce and known for an innovative approach to higher education. With more than 22,000 students and 300+ associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate and law degree programs, UA offers career-focused and experiential learning. From polymers and psychology, to engineering and communications, to business and education, UA brings together distinct fields of study in ways that provide students with valuable real-world learning opportunities. To learn more, visit www.uakron.edu.

About the PPG Foundation

PPG and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We donated nearly $10 million in 2016, supporting hundreds of community organizations across 25 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow today’s skilled workforce and develop tomorrow’s innovators in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more at www.ppgcommunities.com and follow @PPG_Communities on Twitter.

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At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and materials that our customers have trusted for more than 130 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $14.3 billion in 2016. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

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