PPG and Museum of Discovery unveil Mural and PPG STEAM Studio

PPG today announced the opening and continued support of the PPG STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Studio, an interactive space at the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, AR, designed for hands-on, interactive exploration of science and technology. The project was funded by the PPG Foundation, which focuses on initiatives which prepare today’s students, especially from underrepresented communities, for STEM-related careers.

In the PPG STEAM studio, guests of all ages can use a variety of tools and materials to design and create flying machines, zoetropes, chain reactions and more while learning to become problem solvers and innovators.  PPG is sponsoring the space as well as providing free trips and admission to the museum for students from area Title 1 schools. Title I schools are those where 40% of the student population come from families that qualify as “low income.” PPG’s donation will also underwrite teacher training and Girls in STEM programming, including opportunities for mentors, at the museum.

“We’re proud to partner with the Museum of Discovery to bring this incredible space to life,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation. “Part of our mission as a company is to inspire the next generation of scientists, chemists, and engineers as well as to support the communities in which we live and work. This dynamic space will empower students and others in the Little Rock area with real-world skills and problem-solving strategies that will keep the Museum of Discovery on the cutting edge of STEAM learning.”

In addition to the STEAM studio, PPG has also funded an exterior mural for the museum designed to engage the imagination of the community and ignite a passion for science. The mural is composed of a series of 45 brightly painted, rectangular panels depicting happy, engaged children’s faces plus imagery of science, engineering, technology, arts and math. Designed by local artist Matt McLeod, the individual panels were painted by PPG volunteers as part of the PPG COLORFUL COMMUNITIES program.

“PPG has been a wonderful partner and collaborator in this important work,” says Kelley Bass, chief executive officer, Museum of Discovery. “Their donation of both time and money is helping the museum play an important role in increasing science literacy and expanding learning opportunities for students and others with a passion for discovery. In a very real way, PPG’s contributions are also bringing color and brightness to the community.”

For more information on the PPG Foundation and its community engagement programs, visit https://communities.ppg.com. For more information on the Museum of Discovery, visit https://museumofdiscovery.org.

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At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for nearly 140 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 75 countries and reported net sales of $16.8 billion in 2021. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial, and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

About the PPG Foundation

PPG’s global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested $13.3 million in 2021, supporting hundreds of organizations across more than 40 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 communities.ppg.com.

About the Museum of Discovery

The Museum of Discovery is Arkansas’s premier science and technology center, and our mission is to ignite and fuel a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and math through dynamic, interactive experiences. Our museum is the oldest in the state of Arkansas, founded in 1927. We became the Museum of Discovery in 1998 when we moved to our River Market location. Thanks to a $9.2 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, we debuted 90 new, interactive, hands-on exhibits in 2012.

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