From curiosity to confidence: PPG Foundation funds Girls Inc. STEM learning

In Racine, Wisconsin, a group of middle school girls gathered after school for the past few months to join the STEM Squad. Together, they tested ideas, shared feedback and built new skills and experiences in manufacturing, coding, anatomy, chemistry, physics, geospatial science, astronomy, ecology and computer science concepts. The energy in the STEM Squad room reflects what Girls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin sees every day: girls showing up, engaging and growing.  

For the past five years, the PPG Foundation has teamed up with Girls Inc. chapters in Southeast Wisconsin, Greater Atlanta, Huntsville, Alabama, and Tarrant County, Texas, to deliver programs like the STEM Squad and fund interactive workshops and curriculum. Next, we’re teaming up with Girls Inc. of Greater Pittsburgh to support the launch of Eureka!, a nationally recognized, multi-year Girls Inc. program designed to engage girls in STEM learning, leadership development and college and career readiness. 

As the PPG Foundation celebrates 75 years of impact in 2026, read on to learn more about the hands-on learning that’s happening through Girls Inc. and hear from Jeanette Brown, CEO of Girls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin.    

Building confidence, inspiring career paths 

According to Brown, a sense of curiosity and confidence comes to life each year at the Girls Empowered by Math and Science (GEMS) Conference, a one-day event funded by the PPG Foundation. GEMS brings over 550 girls to University of Wisconsin–Parkside for hands-on workshops in STEM fields like robotics, biology, coding and chemistry, helping them learn about careers while building confidence in math and science. 

“Through STEM Squad and the GEMS Conference, we consistently see girls move from uncertainty to curiosity, and from curiosity to confidence,” said Brown. “The girls begin to see STEM not as something out of reach, but as a real and exciting possibility for their future.”  

At GEMS, middle school girls attend multiple interactive workshops led by women professionals and educators and hear from a keynote speaker, who shares her personal journey, challenges and successes in STEM, helping the girls to envision themselves in similar roles. 

“At PPG, we believe innovation starts with inspiration,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “By supporting Girls Inc. chapters in PPG communities, our hope is that the participants will learn by doing and begin to see themselves as scientists, engineers and problem-solvers. As the PPG Foundation celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, we’re proud to create STEM education opportunities that help more young women imagine and pursue the possibilities of a STEM career.” 

For Brown, these connections are powerful in helping girls, break down stereotypes and build networks and aspirations for the future.  

“The PPG Foundation’s support and investment create a ripple effect, empowering girls today who will become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and professionals. Their investment strengthens not only individual outcomes, but also the long-term vitality in our community,” said Brown. 

Learn more about the PPG Foundation’s 75^th anniversary and focus areas.