PPG extends partnership with Dutch education nonprofit C3

PPG has extended its partnership with Dutch education nonprofit Centrum JongerenCommunicatie Chemie (C3) for two years. The organisation introduces children and young people to chemistry and life sciences.

PPG will provide a US$130,000 (€120,000) community engagement grant to help expand C3’s programmes, which aim to inspire Dutch students for school and career choices in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“Together with C3, we want to build the next generation of diverse and innovative STEM leaders,” said Justus Tichelman, PPG General Manager, Benelux, Architectural Coatings. “We achieved the goals set out for the first two years of the partnership, as a result of which many students have been introduced to science and technology. We know how important a skilled STEM workforce is for creating stronger, more sustainable communities.”

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The additional funding will be used to expand and improve C3’s online platform exactwatjezoekt.nl and to support the student science competitions Beta Tournament and European Olympiad of Experimental Science. It will also help to create a version of the digiboard lesson “The Sustainable Paint Factory” for high-school students. In addition, PPG employees will give guest lectures and host company visits for students.

“With the current major staff shortages and declining enrolment in STEM education, the urgency is high to get young people involved in the professional field early and introduce them to the education programmes associated with it,” said Jeroen Sijbers, C3 Director. “Thanks to this partnership, C3 has the means to realise much-needed education support across the board, specifically for chemistry, life sciences and process technology. We will extend the current successes and strengthen the quality of education by development of learning materials which prepare students for their future.”