CGIF is Corecipient of Air Products Grant
The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF) and The Glass Manufacturing Industry Council (GMIC), both located in Columbus, Ohio, are pleased to announce receipt of a $15,000 grant from the Air Products Foundation to foster innovation by the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals.
The CGIF will use its portion of the grant to expand the Foundation’s student outreach programs to attract, inspire, and train the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals. The GMIC will use its portion to support college-age engineering students who wish to participate in the Virtual Conference on Glass Problems to be held online, October 26–30, 2020.
Marcus Fish, director of development for the CGIF expressed his appreciation. “We are extremely thankful to Air Products for this generous gift to support our efforts in student outreach, especially during these most difficult times. While many organizations are struggling due to the pandemic, we are gratified to receive this much needed support.”
According to Bob Lipetz, GMIC’s executive director, “Student participation at the annual Conference on Glass Problems has proven to be immensely popular with the students and with the glass manufacturing industry. From the student viewpoint, they get to see what the real-world problems are in making glass and to understand that jobs in the industry are compelling. From the industry’s standpoint, developing the work force that will take the industry forward into the next generation is a high priority. We are grateful that progressive companies like Air Products support the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council’s efforts through their generous grants.”
The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation was created in 2014 by The American Ceramic Society to attract, inspire, and train the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals. In pursuit of its mission, the CGIF developed and manages a number of programs in the areas of K-12 student outreach, university-industry networks, student travel grants and exchanges, and student leadership development programs. The CGIF also assists students with internship and job opportunities through the online Ceramic and Glass Career Center.
Air Products is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for 80 years, with a longstanding history of developing innovative combustion technologies for the glass industry. Focused on serving energy, environment and emerging markets, the company provides essential industrial gases, related equipment, and applications expertise to enhance sustainability for customers in dozens of other industries, including refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage.
The Air Products Foundation is a separately incorporated U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to build meaningful relationships with charitable organizations that share the values inherent in the Air Products’ higher purpose and enhance the company’s positive relations with employees, communities, customers and shareholders.
The Glass Manufacturing Industry Council, founded in 1998, is a non-profit trade association representing the interests of the glass manufacturing industry. The mission of the GMIC is to facilitate, organize, and promote the interests, economic growth, and sustainability of the glass industry through education and cooperation in the areas of technology, productivity, innovation, and the environment.