Collaboration supports STEM, environmental sustainability education in Germany
WUPPERTAL, Germany, March 5, 2026 – PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced the 10-year anniversary of its
partnership with the Junior Uni-Wuppertal children’s and youth university, reaffirming a shared commitment to
STEM and environmental education programs that spark an early interest in exploration and discovery. PPG has
supported Junior Uni Wuppertal with more than $300,000 (€270,000) in funding since 2016 and will continue its
support through 2026.
PPG is celebrating a 10-year partnership with Junior Uni Wuppertal, which supports STEM and environmental
sustainability education (Photo credit: Thorsten Cronauge)
Over the past decade, the collaboration has brought more than 100 hands-on, interdisciplinary courses to
life, helping equip over 1,200 students aged 4-20 with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle real-world
challenges. By combining creativity with practical experimentation, the partnership has contributed to building a
strong pipeline of future innovators.
“For 10 years, PPG has been a reliable and committed partner of the Junior Uni Wuppertal and we are
deeply grateful for this long-standing support, said Ariane Staab, managing director, Junior Uni Wuppertal.”
The company’s continuous financial support enables us to open our doors to thousands of young learners and
create hands-on courses that spark curiosity, encourage creativity and strengthen confidence in their own
abilities.”
PPG’s 2026 funding enables Junior Uni Wuppertal to deliver courses designed to prepare young
learners for complex global issues such as climate change through creative and practical approaches. The 12
PPG-supported courses focus on sustainability-related topics including upcycling, water research, herbal science and
chemistry.
During 2026, PPG is supporting courses that introduce scientific concepts through immersive learning
experiences. Young children can conduct practical experiments using everyday materials to discover the basics of
chemistry and physics, and explore global climate zones and underwater ecosystems. Older students can gain exposure
to advanced topics including food chemistry, nutrition science, laboratory analysis and forensic DNA methods.
“By funding engaging STEM and environmental education programs, we aim to stimulate an early
interest in exploration and discovery and encourage lasting curiosity in scientific learning,” said Heiko
Stuhl, PPG director, industrial segment operations manufacturing coatings, EMEA. “Building enthusiasm for
fields such as chemistry and sustainability is essential to developing the workforce needed for the future. Through
our partnership with Junior Uni Wuppertal, we are helping inspire the next generation to explore, innovate and
contribute to a more sustainable world.”
PPG’s focus on environmental sustainability education is part of a broader goal to invest $5 million
globally in such initiatives by 2030. This commitment aligns with the company’s 2030 sustainability targets
and reflects its dedication to developing future leaders in STEM.
PPG’s global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness
to PPG communities around the world. We invested $18.1 million in 2025, supporting 400+ organizations across nearly
30 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow tomorrow’s STEM innovators and skilled
workforce in fields 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 here.
About Junior Uni Wuppertal
Founded in 2008, Junior Uni Wuppertal is an innovative after-school educational institution in Germany,
Wuppertal that provides children and young adults aged 4-20 with hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences.
The institution fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through courses in science, technology,
arts, and sustainability, helping prepare the next generation for a rapidly changing world. To
learn more, visit:
https://junioruni-wuppertal.de/
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®
At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty products
that our customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our
customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in
Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 50 countries and reported net sales of $15.9 billion in 2025. We
serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn
more, visit www.ppg.com.
The PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world are registered
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Industries Ohio, Inc.
PPG Media Contact:
Andrew Wood
Corporate Communications, EMEA
T +31 6 5121 6579
awood@ppg.com
ppg.com/colorfulcommunities