The PPG Foundation is proud to recognize 33 outstanding student recipients of the 2026 PPG Foundation Scholarship. With intentions to pursue medical, research, engineering, law and math-related careers, these aspiring professionals represent a range of future fields. They join thousands of previous awardees who have benefited from the PPG Foundation Scholarship Program, which has been administered in partnership with the NATIONAL MERIT® Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) since 1956.
Recipients receive financial support to advance their undergraduate education and career paths. Since the program’s inception, more than 3,000 scholarships have been awarded. The 2026 awardees include 11 children of PPG employees and 22 students residing in communities near PPG facilities. Each recipient will receive annual scholarships for up to four years of undergraduate study or until they complete their degree requirements, whichever comes first.
“The 2026 class of National Merit Scholarship recipients represents an inspiring group of future leaders whose talents and ambitions span fields that will help shape the future of our communities and workforce,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “As the PPG Foundation celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, we are especially proud to invest in these outstanding students and their educational journeys. By supporting tomorrow's leaders, we're helping equip the next generation with the resources they need to strengthen our communities and build a brighter future.”
Hear from the 2026 recipients
One of the recipients, Rodolfo Ramirez, child of Rodolfo Ramirez, PPG vice president, Automotive Refinish Americas, is planning a career in automotive and motorsport engineering after pursuing a mechanical engineering degree.
Reflecting on the impact of the scholarship, he shared, “Receiving the PPG Foundation National Merit Scholarship is a tremendous honor. As an immigrant, this scholarship represents the opportunities that education and hard work can create. I am grateful to the PPG Foundation for investing in my education and giving me the opportunity to focus on achieving my goals.”
This year's Sue Sloan Scholarship award winner is Joanna Li, child of Ting Xu, Senior Development Chemist at PPG’s Springdale, Pennsylvania, facility. The award honors the legacy of Sue Sloan, former executive director of the PPG Foundation, who played a significant role in our involvement with the NMSC program and served on the NMSC Board of Directors from 2008 to 2014. Li plans to pursue a major in biology at Elmira College, with aspirations to become a physician.
“The PPG Foundation National Merit Scholarship is a wonderful motivator as I begin my six-year journey at Elmira College/LECOM. Even though I have a long road ahead, this award has allowed me to keep pursuing my dream of becoming a physician, and I am incredibly grateful for the support that it has given me,” said Li.
Learn more about the recipients of the PPG Foundation Scholarship here.