PPG employee volunteers completed a transformative makeover at Propel Hazelwood charter school as part of the company’s 10-year celebration of the COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® program. It marks PPG’s return to the school where, a decade ago, it became the first of nearly 600 global Colorful Communities projects.
The Colorful Communities program unites the power of PPG products with employee volunteers to brighten neighborhoods and make a positive impact on the people who call those neighborhoods home.
When students returned to school this fall, they entered through freshly painted doors and entryways and enjoyed a refreshed cafeteria. Volunteers also helped to install a logo design outside the building and an obstacle course on the school’s basketball court using ENNIS-FLINT® by PPG DECOMARK® preformed thermoplastic marking materials. In addition, volunteers assembled 4,600 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) kits to enhance lessons throughout the school year.
PPG teamed up with TrafficScapes certified applicator Laurel Asphalt to install the obstacle course designed by Traverse landscape Architects, and with The Pittsburgh Paints Company to provide architectural paint products.
“Ten years ago, we set out to fill Propel Hazelwood with brightness and joy. This school is where it all started and still today we hear that our volunteers’ efforts continue to resonate with past and current students and educators,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “We’re thrilled to return as we build on our partnership with Propel and protect and beautify spaces where students in our hometown can feel supported and engaged.”
At the time of the initial project in 2015, Propel Hazelwood was a newly established location, in need of revitalization and color. Ten years later, leaders at the school credit the Colorful Communities project as a launching point for success. PPG employee volunteers have also revitalized the Propel locations in Braddock Hills and Homestead.
“We are deeply grateful for PPG’s commitment to our school community through the Colorful Communities program. A decade ago, volunteers not only revitalized Propel Hazelwood with fresh paint but also enriched our scholars’ understanding by teaching them about the science and technology of color,” said Dr. Tina Chekan, CEO/Superintendent, Propel Schools. “We are thankful that this partnership continues to evolve, fostering our students’ curiosity in STEM career paths.”
Propel Hazelwood is one of 10 flagship projects around the world that serve as pillars in the 10-year celebration. In addition to the flagship projects, PPG announced that it will extend the Colorful Communities program for another 10 years and commit $15 million to celebrate the next decade of beautifying and revitalizing communities. To build on the positive impacts of the program, PPG and the PPG Foundation will also distribute a total of $1 million in celebration grants to 100 previous and current Colorful Communities partners globally this year.