Amanda Carter, customer service representative at PPG Industries’ industrial coatings manufacturing facility in Mount Vernon, Illinois, presents a PPG Industries Foundation check for nearly $1,000 to Mary Lou Crews, third-grade teacher at Goreville Elementary School, along with Teacher Brittney Lipe (behind students at left) and third-grade students. The Innovative Classroom Grant supported an opportunity for students to participate in educational enrichment projects as part of a “Day of Art and Science” event.

As part of the event, students learned about Claude Monet from a staff instructor with the Cedarhurst Museum in Mount Vernon and experimented with painting techniques to create their own Monet-style paintings. Also, Jason Lindsey, known as “Mr. Science,” presented a hands-on lesson to get students excited about learning scientific concepts.

“I’m so glad that PPG is committed to supporting its communities and the schools where its employees are involved, and that the foundation could help give these children a special day of fun and learning,” Carter said. “In rural areas like Goreville, such opportunities are often limited by funding and proximity to activity providers. On this special day, though, my stepson, Caulin, and his classmates got a chance to feel like artists, and Mr. Science led them in interactive science lessons and gave them several unique and fun science projects to do at home.”

The PPG Industries Foundation aims to create brighter, more colorful communities where PPG has a presence throughout the United States. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow today’s skilled workforce and develop tomorrow’s innovators in industries related to coatings and specialty materials. With the support of our workforce, financial contributions and PPG products, we help revitalize our communities. Plus, we empower PPG employees to make an impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more at www.ppgcommunities.com.