Louisiana Student First ACS Scholar Hired by Corporate Sponsor

Contact: Rodney Pearson202-872-4400[email protected]

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For Immediate Release

Louisiana student is first ACS scholar hired by corporate sponsor

For many years, companies have experienced difficulties finding qualified people to work in science and technology. One Pittsburgh-based company, through corporate sponsorship of education, is addressing the issue. Only four years into a joint scholarship program with the world's largest scientific society, the efforts of PPG Industries Inc. are beginning to pay off.

The company recently hired La'Techa Johnson, 22, of Baton Rouge, La., making her the first American Chemical Society scholar hired by her corporate sponsor. She is one of approximately 40 students PPG has co-sponsored with ACS since 1997. "I was really excited because it's a competitive field and I didn't think I would be hired right out of college," Johnson said.

Johnson entered the ACS/PPG Scholarship Plus Program in 1997 as a freshman chemistry major at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. She began working in June as a plant chemist at the PPG facility in Lake Charles, La.

"La'Techa had interned at the plant during the summer of 1999 and had an extremely positive experience with her mentor and assignments," said Kathy Fleming, senior development associate of the ACS Department of Diversity Programs. "PPG was obviously impressed with her abilities."

The Society organized the ACS Scholars Program in 1995 to provide mentoring, financial support, and summer research opportunities to minority undergraduates majoring in the chemical sciences. PPG became the first corporation to join the program in 1997.

Under the program, PPG pledged $2,500 per year to each of 10 incoming freshman for four years of undergraduate study. With matching funds from ACS, this partnership has provided approximately $500,000 in scholarships. Now 21 corporations have similar programs with ACS. One of the reasons the program is successful is that corporations looking for qualified applicants are willing to help develop them, Fleming said.

PPG Industries of Pittsburgh, Pa., is a global supplier of coatings, glass, fiberglass and chemicals. It has approximately 50 production facilities in the United States and approximately 120 worldwide.

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13046 Released 6/13/01