PPG and PPG Foundation Invest $18.4 Million in Global Communities in 2024
PPG and the PPG Foundation have announced a significant commitment to global community engagement, investing an impressive $18.4 million in 2024. This investment marks an increase of $900,000 over the previous year, underscoring the company’s dedication to fostering positive change worldwide. The funding supported over 400 community partners and programs with a strong emphasis on advancing education, promoting sustainability, and encouraging employee volunteerism.
Malesia Dunn, Executive Director of the PPG Foundation and Corporate Global Social Responsibility, emphasized the broader impact of these investments. “Around the world, PPG’s 2024 community engagement investments aimed to inspire students and aspiring STEM leaders, beautify neighborhoods, and give our employees meaningful ways to give back,” said Dunn. “We’re focused on creating brighter communities, inspiring the future workforce, and applying our employees’ talents in ways that create tangible impacts.”
Advancing STEM Education and Empowering Future Leaders
One of PPG’s primary areas of investment in 2024 was fostering the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) leaders. The company allocated $11.5 million to various initiatives that provide educational opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.
Key projects under this initiative included:
- Expansion of the Partnership with the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci: PPG continued its support of this Milan-based institution, opening Playlab, an innovative educational space designed specifically for young children. The interactive environment aims to inspire curiosity and engagement in STEM subjects from an early age.
- Two-Year Partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE): PPG entered a long-term collaboration to develop educational resources such as “Eco-Schools” handbooks, instructional videos, online courses, and teacher training materials. This initiative will help foster environmental awareness among students globally.
- Code/Art Partnership in Pittsburgh and Detroit: PPG partnered with Code/Art, a nonprofit organization that integrates computer science and creativity to expand access to technology education for girls. This initiative combines art and technology, making coding more accessible and appealing to young women.
- Girls in Tech Initiative in Brazil: In Sumaré, Brazil, PPG launched the third edition of the “Girls in Tech” program in collaboration with Casa Hacker, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing digital literacy and technology access. This program empowers young women to pursue careers in technology by providing training, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability Education
PPG has long been dedicated to sustainability, and in 2024, the company furthered its mission by investing in environmental education initiatives. As part of a long-term pledge to allocate $5 million toward environmental sustainability education by 2030, PPG contributed $1.2 million this year to support various programs.
Notable projects included:
- National Energy Education Development (NEED) in the U.S.: This initiative provides resources and hands-on learning experiences to teach students about energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship.
- Junior Uni Wuppertal’s Sustainability Courses in Germany: These courses educate young learners on sustainable practices, encouraging them to develop eco-friendly solutions for future challenges.
- Attitude for the Planet Program with Junior Achievement in Brazil: This initiative promotes sustainability awareness among students by integrating environmental responsibility into educational curricula and extracurricular activities.
Additionally, PPG successfully completed its $2 million commitment by 2025 to support future skilled worker training. This funding was allocated to programs such as:
- Bidwell Training Center’s Chemical Laboratory Technician Program (U.S.): A program designed to equip students with the technical skills needed for careers in laboratory sciences.
- Technical Education Program 42KL (Malaysia): A technology-driven education initiative offering advanced training for students pursuing careers in software engineering and digital development.
- PPG LINQ™ Tools for Vocational Schools (Europe): PPG donated its innovative LINQ™ tools to vocational schools to support hands-on training for students entering technical fields.
- WorldSkills Lyon 2024: As part of its commitment to global workforce development, PPG supported this renowned vocational skills competition, which brings together young professionals from around the world to demonstrate their expertise in various trades.
Strengthening Community Sustainability and Disaster Relief Efforts
Beyond education, PPG and the PPG Foundation also prioritized community sustainability and disaster relief efforts, contributing $6.4 million in 2024 to various global initiatives. These funds supported emergency relief organizations, including the Red Cross, in responding to natural disasters and extreme weather events that impacted regions such as the southeastern United States and parts of Europe.
Expanding the Colorful Communities® Program
A key highlight of PPG’s community engagement efforts is its signature Colorful Communities® program. Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has transformed nearly 600 spaces worldwide, creating vibrant and uplifting environments for communities in need. In 2024 alone, PPG completed 58 Colorful Communities projects across 27 countries.
Key achievements include:
- Engagement of Over 30,300 Volunteers: More than 30,300 PPG employees and community members dedicated their time to enhancing spaces worldwide.
- Impact on 10.2 Million People: The program has positively affected over 10.2 million individuals across 50 countries, improving their living, learning, and working environments.
- New Paint for a New Start Initiative: Between June and August 2024, PPG completed the third installment of its New Paint for a New Start initiative, which focuses on transforming schools into more engaging learning environments. From 2022 to 2024, this initiative renovated 90 schools, benefiting nearly 53,000 students and teachers.
As PPG looks to the future, the company remains committed to investing in communities, fostering education, and promoting sustainability. The continued expansion of programs like Colorful Communities, Girls in Tech, and Eco-Schools reflects PPG’s unwavering dedication to creating lasting, positive change around the world.
“Our commitment to social responsibility goes beyond financial investment—it’s about making meaningful connections, empowering individuals, and building a sustainable future,” said Dunn. “Through partnerships, volunteerism, and innovative programs, we will continue to support the communities where we live and work.”
With strong momentum from its 2024 initiatives, PPG is poised to further enhance its impact in the years to come, ensuring that its mission to create brighter and more sustainable communities remains at the forefront of its corporate social responsibility efforts.
