PPG has announced a three-year partnership and a US$164,000 (€150,000) grant to the Finnish Science Centre Heureka to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The grant will help fund Heureka’s new ‘Power of Play’ exhibition and will also support colour workshops for young students. PPG is also donating paint for the exhibits.
Heureka, a non-profit educational institution, aims to introduce science and technology in an inspiring and understandable way. Its goal is to increase the motivation of students of all ages to learn and study, as well as influence the attitudes of students and parents to encourage scientific career choices for young people.
The ‘Power of Play’ was developed in collaboration with early childhood education experts to highlight the importance of play in the development and well-being of people of all ages. It includes a pavilion where visitors will find games and activities on topics that include building a sense of community, strengthening creativity, letting go of prejudices and nourishing a desire to experiment.
"We truly value the support of PPG – these kinds of partnerships enable us to provide high-quality programs and exhibitions,” said Mikko Myllykoski, CEO of Heureka. "Our partner network includes innovative companies, foundations and educational and research institutions, which help us transform scientific and social phenomena into an interesting and understandable format. We look very much forward to our collaboration with PPG.”
"Learning about science is a lifelong activity and one that can be approached with joy. Heureka offers a unique way for the broader community to learn about scientific topics in hands-on, interactive settings that help develop and sustain an interest in science,” said Meri Vainikka, PPG Vice President, EMEA North and East, Architectural Coatings. "Together with Heureka we can create tangible opportunities for visitors and students to discover the possibilities and fun created through first-hand access to experimentation.”
PPG aims to build the next generation of STEM leaders to help society meet collective challenges quickly, creatively and effectively. The company supports students at various points along their educational continuum and is helping increase the number of young people with an interest in STEM, especially diverse students entering advanced STEM studies.
Tikkurila, acquired by PPG in 2021, was one of the founding partners of Heureka when it opened in 1989. For the Power of Play exhibition, PPG donated close to 100 gallons (364 litres) of TIKKURILA™ by PPG paints and related products, including Diccoplast Primer, Diccoplast 30, Dicco Color, Merit 30, Merit 80, Temadur 20 and Dicco Color 2.
