Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, is thrilled to announce a generous donation from the PPG Foundation for the EMERG Programs to support students in the coatings industry.
This contribution will support the expansion and development of several EMERG programs designed to foster education and innovation in coatings and corrosion. Among these initiatives are academic scholarships, the provision of Corrosion Toolkits (cKits™), and the organization of a mini-camp for high school students at the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in New Orleans, March 3 – 7, 2024.
The EMERG (Engage, Magnetize, Educate, Raise, Guide) initiative by AMPP is a comprehensive life-cycle approach to engage students at all educational levels with the fascinating world of materials protection and performance. From primary school students to veterans and adults transitioning into the industry, EMERG offers a range of opportunities, including scholarships, educational resources like the innovative cKit™, and interactive mini-camps that provide hands-on learning experiences.
"Supporting AMPP's EMERG programs and the diverse students they serve is an investment in the future workforce of the industries where PPG operates," said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. "We believe that by engaging students early in their educational journeys, we can inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and professionals dedicated to advancing the field of materials protection and performance. We recognize the importance of this donation in providing students with a hands-on, practical education that arms them with the advanced skills needed for their careers."
The cKit™, developed by AMPP's top corrosion experts, serves as a dynamic educational tool for high school teachers to demonstrate corrosion concepts in an engaging manner. It includes all necessary materials for experiments, making science accessible and enjoyable for students. Additionally, the EMERG Student Camp, held during AMPP’s annual conference, allows students to explore the practical applications of their studies through corrosion experiments and interactions with industry professionals.
The EMERG academic scholarships recognize and support students with exceptional academic achievement in coatings and corrosion. By offering these scholarships, AMPP and its partners aim to alleviate financial barriers for students pursuing careers in this critical industry. This is the eleventh year of PPG’s support of AMPP scholars.
"Through initiatives like EMERG, we aim to create a continuous cycle of engagement, education, and professional development that not only supports students but also enriches our industry as a whole," said Kim Ray, Director of the EMERG Student Outreach Program. "We are immensely grateful to the PPG Foundation for their generous donation, enabling us to expand our reach and impact more students and future industry leaders."
The partnership between AMPP and the PPG Foundation demonstrates their mutual commitment to developing talent and advancing innovation in materials protection and performance. Through its support of EMERG programs, PPG significantly influences the industry's future, contributing to enhanced material protection, performance improvements, and achieving sustainability objectives.
For more information about the EMERG programs and how to get involved, visit https://www.ampp.org/about/emerg-student-outreach.
About AMPP
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a global community of professionals focused on the protection of assets and the performance of industrial and natural materials. AMPP was established in 2021 following a merger between NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. The new association unites 145 years of corrosion control and protective coatings expertise and service to industry and members worldwide. Today, AMPP is the world’s largest corrosion control and protective coatings organization, serving more than 35,000 members in over 140 countries. AMPP is headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, and additional offices in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. www.ampp.org