The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF) expresses our thanks to our generous donors, board members, volunteers, student members, and network of industry professionals. Together, you have helped us create impactful experiences for the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals. Read more to learn about our full 2023 program updates or view the highlights in the 2023 Gratitude Report here.
Materials Science Classroom Kit Distribution
CGIF distributed 342 science kits through our Kit Grant program and other outreach activities in the past year. The Materials Science Classroom Kit contains nine fun, hands-on lessons and activities to introduce students to the basics of materials science and the Mini Materials Kit contains seven interactive lessons to be done in school or at home. The Glass Science Kit, launched in 2022, contains three interactive lessons on glass science. Through these kits and other efforts, CGIF helped to impact more than 50,000 students this year.
Teacher Training Workshops
In 2023, CGIF trained teachers in Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Colorado, and hosted a Virtual Teacher Training Workshop that was open to teachers across the country. These seven-hour professional development sessions allow middle and high school teachers to perform hands-on experiments of the nine lessons in the Materials Science Classroom Kit, network with professionals at an industry luncheon, and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Teachers also receive a free kit to take home. Through Teacher Training Workshops, Industry Tours, Kit Grants, and other efforts, CGIF made a direct impact on 206 educators this year.
Watch our 2023 Teacher Training Workshop video to learn more.
Industry Tours for Teachers
In 2023, CGIF launched Ceramic & Glass Industry Tours for Teachers. Industry Tours give educators a behind-the-scenes look at the companies who bring the ceramic and glass industries to life. Teachers visited Allied Mineral Products in Columbus and Owens Corning in the Newark and Granville locations. CGIF is excited to continue this new program in 2024 alongside our Teacher Training Workshops to engage educators in materials science.
Watch our 2023 Teacher Tour video to learn more.
IGNITE MSE
In partnership with the President’s Council of Student Advisors (PCSA), CGIF launched the IGNITE MSE professional development symposium at MS&T 2023. The International Gathering and Networking for Individuals to Explore Materials Science and Engineering, or IGNITE MSE, features a variety of professional development and networking opportunities. Each IGNITE MSE event is a unique experience, and the program runs in conjunction with selected conferences affiliated with The American Ceramic Society.
Learn more about IGNITE MSE here.
Scholarships
CGIF awarded three scholarships to students studying materials science in conjunction with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). The recipients include Megan Bynoe of Rutgers University (NSBE), Alejandra Almaraz of Boise State University (SHPE), and Fernanda Garcia of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (SHPE).
Read more about our 2023 scholarship recipients here.
Outreach in a Box
In 2023, CGIF launched Outreach in a Box, a program that outlines all the details and steps needed to bring one of our popular programs to your community. It includes a suggested planning timeline, approximate budgets, connection to Materials Science curriculum with free lessons, and tips and tricks for hosting a successful event! The Outreach in a Box for a Glass Learning Opportunities Workshop (GLOW) event is already published, and CGIF is looking forward to adding even more Outreach in a Box events in 2024.
Learn more about Outreach in a Box here.
Ceramic & Glass Career Center
CGIF launched a new Ceramic & Glass Career Center in 2023! The Ceramic and Glass Career Center serves as the ideal place for job seekers and employers to search for their next best opportunity or candidate.
Explore the updated site at careers.ceramics.org.
Additional Program Updates and Support
The CGIF is proud to collaborate with a variety of partners to help achieve our mission. Please feel free to stay up to date on our latest activities by visiting foundation.ceramics.org/news.
In addition, CGIF is always grateful to our generous donors for their support. If you would like to help support a specific program area listed above, please visit ceramics.org/donate.
