CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of the International Day of Education, Ardagh Group, a global supplier of infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging, today announced an update regarding its multi-year education grant program in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW). The program delivers science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to students from pre-kindergarten through high school (PreK-12) in the 24 communities in which Ardagh has manufacturing and office locations in the U.S.

As part of its $50 million program, Ardagh committed approximately $4 million to 154 PreK-12 schools in 2021 and will provide an additional $2.9 million this year to 122 PreK-12 schools to support STEM education expansion in the U.S. To date, Ardagh has partnered with PLTW to help fund 276 PreK-12 schools in 47 school districts across the following Ardagh communities: Bishopville, South Carolina; Bridgeton, New Jersey; Chicago, Illinois; Dolton, Illinois; Dunkirk, Indiana; Elk Grove, Illinois; Fairfield, California; Henderson, North Carolina; Houston, Texas; Huron, Ohio; Olive Branch, Mississippi; Pevely, Missouri; Port Allegany, Pennsylvania; Ruston, Louisiana; Sapulpa, Oklahoma; Seattle, Washington; Valparaiso, Indiana; Whitehouse, Ohio; Winchester, Indiana; Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

It is expected that, during the 10-year period of this investment program, Ardagh-sponsored education grants will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students. In addition, the program will deliver best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

"As we think about preparing students for their future careers, the importance of employers engaging with students at an early stage cannot be underestimated," said PLTW President and CEO Dr. Vince Bertram. "We are grateful for Ardagh's continued commitment to partner with PLTW to provide PreK-12 students across the country with transformative, real-world learning experiences that equip them with the subject matter and transportable skills to thrive in life beyond the classroom."

Our education investments, which align to Sustainable Development Goal – 4 Quality Education, are just the beginning. Ardagh is delighted to also announce a global extension of education grant funding to Ardagh communities in Europe and Brazil, with plans to be finalized and implemented this year. "We believe in the power of education to change lives, particularly in valued but underserved STEM fields," said John Sadlier, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ardagh Group. "This is why we will be extending STEM education funding to Europe and Brazil, another clear step in our sustainability strategies which include leveraging the capabilities of our people and our organization to strengthen the communities in which we operate." 

To read more about Ardagh's sustainability initiatives and to view its latest sustainability reports, click here.

Further information

Jennifer Cumbee, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ardagh Group, Metal – North America, [email protected], 773.251.9710

Notes to the editor

Ardagh Group is a global supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging for brand owners around the world. Ardagh operates 57 metal and glass production facilities in 12 countries, employing more than 16,000 people with sales of approximately $7bn.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW's teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 12,200 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on PLTW, visit pltw.org.

SOURCE Ardagh Metal Packaging