PPG awards STEM education prizes to primary school students in Poland

Published: 2025-06-11 07:53:43 ET PPG

Published on 06/11/2025 at 07:53

WROCLAW, Poland - PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced the winners of the third edition of Universiada, a STEM education competition that promotes science among primary school students.

Funded with a $37,000 (140,000 zloty) grant from PPG, the program is carried out in partnership with the Association of Chemical Industry Engineers and Technicians and the University of Wroclaw.

Universiada aims to inspire young people to discover science through their own research projects and helps them develop key skills such as teamwork, data analysis and time management. The competition is open to students aged 10-14, who work in teams of five on a chemistry project under the supervision of a teacher or guardian; the finalists presented their work to a jury of industry experts and academics experts last month at the University of Wroclaw.

The first prize was awarded to a team from Orlat Lwowskich Primary School No. 2 in Wolow for its design of natural cosmetics for teenagers. The students conducted surveys among their peers and developed recipes for cosmetics from natural ingredients, including a moisturizing mask, a sugar scrub, a cream deodorant and a fragrance mist.

Second price went to the group from John Paul II Primary School No. 2 in Swieradow Zdroj who developed a bioplastic from potato starch and glycerin that has the potential to replace traditional plastics.

The third place was awarded to a team from Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski Primary School No. 37 in Wroclaw for a project to produce natural dyes from plant waste such as onion skins, spinach leaves and beets that could be used in paints and inks.

'We believe that investing in the young generation is an investment in the future development of science and the sustainable development of the industry in which we operate,' says Maria Bogdanska, PPG portfolio development manager, Central and Eastern Europe, Architectural Coatings. 'Through such initiatives, we want to inspire children to discover the fascinating world of chemistry, develop their creativity and analytical skills, and show how science can have a real impact on everyday life.'

'Universiada is an excellent example of how education and practice can be effectively combined,' said Jaroslaw Panek, a chemistry professor at the University of Wroclaw and one of the judges. 'The projects presented by are proof that even the youngest can think innovatively and look for solutions to real problems. Such initiatives help build bridges between the academic world and the local community, inspiring future generations to discover the beauty of science.'

PPG's global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested $18.4 million in 2024, supporting hundreds of organizations across more than 30 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow tomorrow's STEM innovators and skilled workforce in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more here.

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Contact:

Andrew Wood

Corporate Communications, EMEA

Tel: +31 6 5121 6579

Email: [email protected]