The PPG Industries Foundation has donated $50,000 to COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, located in Columbus, in support of its new Energy Explorers exhibition area, along with $5,000 to assist COSI in covering general programming expenses.

“PPG is a long-time supporter of COSI and STEM education partners and we are appreciative of that support,” said David E. Chesebrough, Ed.D., president and CEO of COSI. “The additional funding has helped COSI enhance the Energy Explorers exhibition area, which engages visitors in hands-on activities demonstrating how individuals use energy and how their individual choices regarding energy impact the world around them.”

PPG has supported COSI since 1992, providing $5,000 annually and an additional $50,000 in 2010 and again this year for two phases of COSI’s energy exhibit work: Innovations in Energy, a temporary exhibition, and the Energy Explorers exhibition. Energy and Environment is one of four strategic areas of focus for COSI. Innovations in Energy focused on bridging the gap in public understanding about energy issues and the systems in which they live, while Energy Explorers focuses on consumer choices around home energy consumption, transportation, purchasing and products.

The new exhibition incorporates much of the content of the Innovations in Energy exhibition and engages visitors in activities about the impact of their choices by highlighting issues such as how energy is measured, energy systems and the grid, innovations in energy and technology, global energy use compared to the U.S. and current energy news. Overall, the project aims to motivate people to alter their behavior in ways that will lead to a more sustainable world and to increase awareness of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers in the energy sector.

“PPG and the PPG Industries Foundation are strongly dedicated to supporting educational programs that impact communities where our employees work and live and that provide resources to help create a more sustainable world,” said Sue Sloan, executive director, PPG Industries Foundation. “COSI’s focus on educating the public about today’s energy issues and the STEM-related careers in energy is of utmost importance to PPG, as we strive to create sustainable products and minimize our environmental footprint.”