Axalta Coating Systems and Penn State today jointly announced a partnership that will include an on-campus press event and special learning opportunities with Jeff Gordon and his team at Pocono Raceway. The program, designed to drive awareness and support for STEM and business education, will focus on students currently engaged in the study of engineering and business.

“Engineering is an integral part of the racing industry, as it translates into practical applications we use every day,” said Charlie Shaver, Axalta Chairman and CEO. “We are proud of our 23-year motorsports partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon and are honored to have the opportunity to support Penn State University’s curricula with this special program. It is crucial to many industries, including Axalta’s, to have access to skilled engineers and business leaders, and Penn State is providing the specialized programs needed to prepare them for the future.”

The April 14 on-campus event will include a visit by Gordon, a student pep-rally and an unveiling of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS paint scheme that Gordon will drive at Pocono Raceway in the June 7 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race named the “Axalta ‘We Paint Winners’ 400.”

“The relationship between Penn State and Axalta offers our students the opportunity to learn about careers in business and engineering fields from the leaders of a global player based right here in Pennsylvania,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. “Helping students toward career success is of critical importance to the Penn State experience, and partnerships such as this are another way of giving our students special, hands-on opportunities to learn about their fields of study and the job market.”

A four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, three-time Daytona 500 winner and five-time Brickyard 400 champion, Gordon also has been a champion of STEM education for many years.

“Supporting STEM education and future business leaders is vital to our future,” said Gordon. “I depend on the mechanical engineers on my team to make sure that my racecar is in top form for every race. Linking STEM education to the technology behind successful racing is important. I’m proud to partner with Axalta and Penn State on this exciting program.”