You may know the sentimental song with the lyrics, “Once when I was a little girl, I asked my mother, what will I be.” Axalta Coating Systems says it hopes to help some girls answer that question. Earlier this week, Axalta invited the middle school students of Serviam Girls Academy to visit its Coatings Technology Center in Wilmington, Delaware to spend time with researchers who regularly use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to help develop and advance Axalta’s products. The experience is part of Serviam’s exploration project during the school’s summer program.

“Serviam Girls Academy strives to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our students and is able to do so through its many and varied partnerships in the community,” said Peggy Hines Serviam Girls Academy President. “One exemplary partner, Axalta, continues to open doors for our girls both through their support of the school, and now with an immersion experience at their Coatings Technology Center. People notice the paint on their cars, but they may not think about what goes into developing it. Through Axalta’s invitation, Serviam students were exposed to a whole new world of paint and coating systems and to the numerous career possibilities in science, engineering and business. We are grateful for Axalta and their ongoing support of Serviam.”

Although more women are entering STEM fields than ever before, Axalta wants to continue to do its part to expose and enlighten future generations. Students participated in hands-on experiments, learned from Axalta scientists and got a true sense of what it is like to work in a high-tech research environment.

“We were honored to host the Serviam Girls Academy and have these young ladies spend time with us at our laboratory,” said Joanne Hardy, Axalta Global Research and Development Director. “A diversified workforce and the talent that comes with it is a vital component of a competitive organization. STEM education plays a critical role to inspire young students to embrace technology and to ultimately pursue careers in STEM fields. Our researchers enjoyed encouraging these young minds and demonstrating the technology and science of coatings.“