University relationships

two students in lab

Partnering with universities to advance innovation and support STEM scholars

The world-changing technologies of tomorrow are propelled through the students of today. At renowned universities, it is often students who bring forth innovation and emerging technologies. It’s through higher education partnerships at premier universities worldwide that PPG and the PPG Foundation have established a launching point for a diverse science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent pipeline and the world-class expertise and discovery that make tomorrow’s possibilities a reality.

Our long-standing collaborations with leading universities are facilitated by supporting student scholarships and fellowships, joint research and innovation programs, student mentorship and symposium opportunities and more.

Through PPG Foundation funding and engagement with various technical and professional groups within PPG, we aim to work hand-in-hand with our university partners to support diverse students preparing for in-demand careers that will shape global innovation and cutting-edge technologies in areas such as polymer science and engineering, chemical engineering, materials science and synthetic organic chemistry. See a sampling of these partnerships below.

students participating in STEM in University’s Materials Research Lab
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
PPG Foundation grants have established a materials science research fellows program for graduate students focused on organic and inorganic coatings within the University’s Materials Research Lab.
Penn State students in STEM
The Pennsylvania State University
Our longstanding, collaborative history with Penn State includes research, philanthropy and workforce development. Through the PPG Foundation, we offer several graduate-level scholarships within the Materials Research Institute.
classroom of students listening
PPG University Talent Power Program
In China, this program provides financial assistance to help students at 10 leading universities complete their education and encourages them to explore scientific research with scholarships and science and technology innovation funds.
STEM women evaluating sample
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS), and the Department of Chemistry, PPG supports fellowships and lectureships aimed at fostering diversity among STEM students.
Berkley students at lunch table

GRADUATE STEM STUDENTS EXCEL WITH MENTORSHIP

The PPG Foundation is a proud funder of STEM*FYI, a mentorship program at University of California, Berkeley that pairs advanced student mentors with historically underrepresented, first-year grad students to create a support network that goes beyond the classroom. Through conferences, workshops and more, students move closer to their professional development and research goals.

Lloyd Munjanja

ASSISTANT DEAN OF INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
LLOYD MUNJANJA, PHD

"The PPG Grant has been a great opportunity to positively impact the quality of black chemists’ experiences at the University of Illinois Chemistry programs. Through this high quality of experience afforded by the PPG grant, we have seen a steady increase in the underrepresented minority students at Illinois Chemistry."