In the realm of STEM fields, computing constitutes 67% of newly emerging occupations according to Code.org. Proficiency in computing, especially in areas such as computer science and coding, is fundamental for acquiring problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Computer Science Education Week: PPG Foundation partners inspire learning, careers
Throughout the United States, there is a collective call for educators and organizations to inspire students to acquire computer science skills. This includes promoting equity, and recognizing and celebrating students, teachers, and partners in the field, particularly during Computer Science Education Week, observed from December 4 to 10.
This Computer Science Education Week, the PPG Foundation has teamed up with organizations who are creating opportunities for underrepresented students in coding fields.
“With science and technology at our core, at PPG, we know first-hand the importance of education and a skilled STEM workforce to create stronger communities," said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “This Computer Science Education Week, we've joined our partners focused in the area of coding to prioritize equity within education and to close gaps in STEM learning pathways."
Read on to learn more about PPG Foundation partners and their Computer Science Education Week efforts.
American Printing House
In year two of our partnership, American Printing House (APH), a nonprofit organization whose mission is empowering people who are blind or low vision by providing accessible and innovative products, materials, and services for lifelong success, hosted its National Coding Symposium. The event provided new opportunities for students who are blind or low vision to gain information about and grow experiences with coding and coding-focused careers.
Designed to ignite the interests of participants and feature experts who are blind or low vision throughout the coding field, the 2023 APH National Coding Symposium provided the latest information and resources to parents, educators, and associated professionals seeking to encourage young learners with vision loss and an interest in coding. Through a series of inspirational speakers, panel discussions, presentations, and question and answer sessions, the Coding Symposium aimed to inspire students to become participants in, and leaders of, coding-focused careers within the programming and software development fields.
RedChairPGH
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, women account for 49% of all occupations in the region, yet they only account for 25% of occupations in Pittsburgh's tech industry.[1] In response, RedChairPGH, a network of individuals who are committed to creating gender balance in the Pittsburgh technology professions, collaborated with Women in Tech PGH, PAWomenWork and other community partners to plan a comprehensive, multi-faceted workforce re-entry program. The program was designed to re-skill women of color in Pittsburgh so they can re-enter the workforce prepared to gain employment in project coordination or management and achieve a living wage to support their families. From an online study course resulting in a Google Project Management Certification to multi-faceted pre- and post-employment support, scholarships for the program were provided through the PPG Foundation's support.
“PPG's IT project management team members have been thrilled to contribute their time and talents to this scholarship program. Our people have a passion for the discipline and are fully committed to supporting the four scholarship recipients through mentoring and lessons using real-life project leadership examples," said Diane Anderson, PPG global IT director and RedChairPGH mentor. “Through it all, we have built long-lasting relationships that these women can lean on to successfully complete the curriculum and pursue careers in the field of project management."
To learn more about how PPG and the PPG Foundation accelerate pathways for diversity in STEM fields, click here.