The PPG Industries Foundation announced a $5,000 donation to Action Greensboro for continued support of the STEM Early College program on the North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NC A&T) campus. The STEM Early College program provides the opportunity for high school students in Guilford County Schools to take honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses from 9th to 12th grade and ultimately graduate from high school with two years of college credit toward a four-year degree. The grant was made on behalf of the PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) industrial coatings plant in Greensboro.

“In order to properly run the Early College program, students need access to tools that PPG’s donation enables us to supply,” said April Harris, executive director, Action Greensboro. “Specifically, the kits for hands-on activities are of utmost importance, as we recognize that STEM education is most successful when students develop personal connections with the ideas and excitement of STEM fields.”

The Early College’s curriculum focuses on developing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills sought by companies in related industries. Additionally, the program supplements classroom instruction with mentoring and internship opportunities from corporate partners. PPG’s donation will provide classroom equipment such as computer software and kits for hands-on activities, as well as training for teachers to assist in fully establishing and implementing the program.

“As a company dedicated to innovation and supporting communities where our employees work and live, PPG is pleased to help Action Greensboro provide high-level math and science courses to tomorrow’s STEM workforce,” said John Bradford, PPG plant manager at the Greensboro facility. “The students that will be accepted into this program are the ideal future candidates for PPG’s workforce, as they will receive top-tier education and abundant opportunities to supplement their classroom instruction.”