Press Release Details

The Dr. Nick Osborne Primary Center in Mount Vernon, Illinois, received support through the PPG Foundation to fund several projects that provide hands-on learning opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Teacher Paula Metcalf worked with James Hicks, whose granddaughter attends the center and who is a batchman at the local PPG industrial coatings plant in Mount Vernon, and his PPG colleagues Rick Mayberry and Nate Perkins to apply for the funding.

Hicks sponsored two grants, for science learning centers and instant learning activity tubs for kindergarten through third-grade students. Mayberry sponsored grants for physical, life and space science exploration labs and activity kits for fourth- and fifth-grade students as well as science kits and engineering centers for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Real-world STEM Challenge kits were purchased with Perkins’ grant support.

“It’s exciting to help our community in this way, and we are proud that my granddaughter and her classmates will benefit from these STEM kits,” Hicks said.

Pictured here are primary center students (from left, front) KayOnce Wright, Corion McGee, Carson Smith, Carmyn Zimmerman, Rhylan Sloan, Hayden Payne, (middle) Carzhanaya Holmes, Nicklaus Kahtz, Alexa Mowrer, NaKailynn Nesbit, TaRyah Robinson, Sierra Cowger, JaeLynn Barmes, (back) Madison Hicks, MiAuna Davis, Reniya Davis, Bria Bradford, Shammilee Cotto-Villanueva, Chayse Canon and Daemean Ford.

The PPG Foundation aims to bring color and brightness to PPG communities in 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 manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more at www.ppgcommunities.com and follow @PPG_Communities on Twitter.

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