Company provides scientific equipment, paid internships for STEM education
PPG (NYSE:PPG) today announced the completion of a project that provided $38,000 (2.8 million rubles) in scientific equipment for a chemical laboratory renovation at Lipetsk State Technical University (LSTU) in Russia. The equipment will be used for training in coatings-related disciplines and for individual student research.
“PPG works with universities around the world because we know the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for a skilled workforce,” said Olga Kolevatova, PPG country leader, Russia. “We hope that our collaboration with LSTU will be useful for the university and will help young professionals get closer to achieving their professional and scientific ambitions.”
The equipment includes a nitrogen generator, adhesion tester, thickness gauge and other devices and tools. LSTU students with relevant specializations also will be offered internship opportunities at PPG’s automotive OEM and industrial coatings production facility in Lipetsk. This initiative will help young professionals gain practical work experience in the coatings industry and undergo additional training.
“This is a winning combination for the university, its students and PPG,” said Sergey Kurbatov, deputy head of administration for the Lipetsk region. “LSTU gets a world-class laboratory and partner, the students can improve their skills and knowledge because of the lab and internships, and PPG gains exposure to potential skilled employees among the students. This collaboration also provides an excellent example of the responsibility of business in shaping the knowledge of our society.”
“We are happy to help LSTU, which is the leading university in the Lipetsk region, train personnel for the developing economy,” said Oleg Valuev, PPG plant manager, Lipetsk. “In our experience, LSTU students demonstrate a high level of professional abilities. By upgrading the laboratory equipment and offering internships, we help prepare them for practical work.”
PPG volunteers recently completed a COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® project to revitalize public spaces at LSTU using TIKKURILA® paint by PPG. PPG provided around 40 gallons (150 liters) of Tikkurila coatings, including Tikkurila Euro Primer and Tikkurila LUJA 7® wall and ceiling paint, to cover more than 4,300 square feet (400 square meters) of surfaces. The employee volunteers painted several walls with murals designed by Lipetsk artist Daniil Bely, whose portfolio includes other high-profile public projects. Bely’s art was inspired by material science and chemistry, reminding students of the progress of science and its importance for the future of society.
PPG has been operating in Russia for 16 years. The company’s plant in Lipetsk is located in a special economic zone; the plant includes automotive, industrial, protective and marine coatings. The company also has an automotive OEM coatings plant in Kolomna and two architectural coatings plants in St. Petersburg.
The Colorful Communities program, PPG’s signature initiative for supporting communities, aims to protect and beautify the neighborhoods where PPG operates around the world. Through the Colorful Communities program, PPG’s committed volunteers contribute their time and PPG paint products to help transform community assets – from painting classrooms, to bringing color to a maternity ward and redesigning a playground. Since 2015, PPG has completed 380 Colorful Communities projects, impacting more than 6.8 million people in 42 countries.
