PPG Foundation provides STEM grant to Ohio Northern University

Published : 30-May-2023

Middle and high school students from five schools in the Lima, Ohio-area traveled to Ohio Northern University (ONU) for a day of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related workshops funded by the PPG Foundation.  

As part of the PPG STEM Partnership Day, students participated in workshops focused on robotics as well as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering and even competed against one another by building hoverboards.

“Me and my friends just communicated with each other and used our minds to create something great,” said Kahalio, an eighth-grade student. “At first, ours wouldn't move at all and then we made it move because we had created a different design.”

Students are able to see firsthand all the different careers that engineering has to offer and got in on the action at ONU using the college labs and facilities.

“The purpose of the grant is for us to develop partnerships with area schools,” said Tom Zechman, assistant dean of ONU's College of Engineering. “We've tried a couple of different ways and this year our model, we've really been pleased with.”

There is a high demand for technical jobs not only in the Ada, Ohio community, where ONU is located, but throughout the entire region. ONU seeks to provide support from students and faculty in the College of Engineering to all middle and high school students, but especially students of color. People of color are often significantly underrepresented in STEM fields, so ONU’s workshops seek to spark these students’ interest in STEM.

“Programs like this are incredibly important because they play a key role in introducing these young students to STEM fields in a fun and engaging way,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “We’re proud to continue supporting Ohio Northern University as they enrich the education of local middle and high schoolers.”

The goals of the program aligned with the PPG Foundation’s focus on funding hands-on activities that immerse young people in STEM concepts that are linked to real-world solutions and innovations and inspire future STEM-related career paths.

Based on the experience of the last two years, ONU believes that access to top-quality faculty, carefully crafted activities, and state-of-the-art facilities is inspirational to these students as they navigate the world of STEM.

Click here to see local media coverage from the program from Hometown Stations.  

Read more about how the PPG Foundation supports future STEM leaders.

 

Photo credit: Hometownstations.com