PPG Foundation supports the University of Wisconsin’s Bridge Program

Published : 3-Mar-2022

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Bridge to the Chemistry Doctorate Program aims to increase the number of students from historically underrepresented groups who complete a Ph.D. degree in chemistry. The Bridge program launched in 2018 in partnership with the American Chemical Society (ACS), and now the PPG Foundation has joined as the program’s first corporate sponsor.

The PPG Foundation grant will help to support eight University of Wisconsin Masters of Science students and Bridge Program participants in the 2022-23 academic year through a range of experiences and mentorship opportunities designed to support them along their journey of obtaining a Ph.D. in chemistry.

According to Bill Retsch, PPG senior research manager, Polymer Synthesis, the PPG Foundation has partnered with the University for several years, creating chemistry and engineering fellowships among other programs. The recent support for the Bridge Program aligns with PPG and the University’s common belief in the responsibility and importance of inclusivity and diversity from the classroom to the workforce.

“At PPG, we know the importance of supporting diverse students and communities in science-related fields. Through the Bridge Program, it’s our goal to advance equity in STEM learning and career development and to make possible the world-changing careers that PPG employees experience,” said Retsch.

Retsch works within PPG’s science and technology (S&T) organization and knows first-hand the importance of diversity in the workforce and higher education as a launching point for innovation and emerging technologies.

“We’re proud to support the University of Wisconsin’s efforts to empower historically underrepresented populations with opportunities to advance their educational pursuits and achieve bright futures,” Retsch continued.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Bridge Program co-director, Desiree Bates, shared that funding from industry is crucial to the growth and development of not only the Bridge Program, but also to the university’s chemistry community, and to companies in industry that rely on the employment of Ph.D.s from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

During their first year of the Bridge Program, Fellows participate in an extended orientation where they receive guidance on finding housing, are assessed for academic preparation in the core subject areas, interact with their Academic Mentors and their Faculty and Peer Research Mentors, and are assigned offices together with incoming Ph.D. students.  

Bridge Fellows then take undergraduate or graduate core chemistry courses with substantial academic mentoring in the form of guided group work sessions with other students, and individual tutoring as needed. They also gain research experience in their Research Mentors’ groups and participate in social activities within the department.

As part of the program, Fellows engage in research, coursework and teaching, and are considered for admission into a Ph.D. program.  

To learn more about how PPG partners with leading universities to advance innovation and support STEM scholars, click here.