PPG Celebrates 10 Years of COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® Program with Transformation of Boys & Girls Club in Florida
PPG (NYSE: PPG) has announced the successful completion of a COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® project in collaboration with Heart of America, revitalizing the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County’s William E. Slaughter Club and S. Robert Levine Campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This initiative marks the beginning of PPG’s 10-year celebration of its flagship Colorful Communities program, which unites the power of PPG’s paint products and employee volunteers to transform spaces and uplift communities worldwide.
A Hands-On Effort by PPG Leaders
The project brought together over 100 of PPG’s top global leaders, who dedicated part of their annual global leadership meeting to revitalize key areas of the club, including the computer room, recording studio, gymnasium, and teen center outdoor spaces. Using vibrant colors scientifically designed to enhance learning, engagement, and creativity, the team transformed these spaces into inspiring environments for young people.
In addition to painting, the leaders built new furniture, assembled 500 STEM activity kits, and constructed 40 bicycles—all donated to local Boys & Girls Club members. PPG also utilized its innovative ENNIS-FLINT® DECOMARK® preformed thermoplastic product to install a colorful hopscotch court and logo design outside the facility, further brightening the space.
“The club is a fantastic place where young people can come to learn, grow, and build a foundation for their futures,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director of the PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “It’s the perfect location to kick off the 10-year celebration of the Colorful Communities program and showcase how it blends the best of who we are—our passionate, talented employees and our innovative products.”
Empowering Youth Through Education and Engagement
The William E. Slaughter Club and S. Robert Levine Campus serves more than 200 club members daily, offering after-school and summer programs focused on character and leadership development, education and career readiness, health and life skills, and academic success. By enhancing the facility, PPG and Heart of America aim to create an environment that inspires creativity, fosters learning, and empowers the next generation of leaders.
“Through this vibrant program, PPG and Heart of America not only help shape futures with us—they are empowering the next generation of leaders, providing them with the support and opportunities they need to thrive and make a lasting impact,” said Chris Gentile, Co-CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.
The Science of Color in Learning Spaces
Color plays a critical role in designing spaces that promote learning and engagement. Research shows that color influences mood, attention span, and memory retention—factors that directly affect students’ performance and well-being. PPG’s expertise in color science ensures that every project under the Colorful Communities program is thoughtfully designed to maximize these benefits.
“Color plays a big role in how we design spaces because of its impact on learning—it influences students’ mood, attention span, and memory retention,” said Jill Hardy Heath, CEO of Heart of America. “PPG understands the power of color, which makes it an incredible collaborator. We are thrilled to celebrate 10 years of Colorful Communities projects with the William E. Slaughter Boys & Girls Club.”
A Decade of Impact—and More to Come
Since its launch in 2015, the Colorful Communities program has united PPG’s paint products, employee volunteers, and community partners to brighten neighborhoods and improve the lives of residents. The William E. Slaughter Club and S. Robert Levine Campus project is one of 10 flagship initiatives planned as part of the program’s 10-year anniversary celebration. These projects will serve as pillars highlighting the program’s global impact.
To mark this milestone, PPG has committed to extending the Colorful Communities program for another decade, pledging $15 million to continue beautifying and revitalizing communities worldwide. Additionally, PPG and the PPG Foundation will distribute $1 million in celebration grants to 100 previous and current Colorful Communities partners globally in 2023.
PPG’s Broader Commitment to Community Engagement
PPG’s global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation focus on bringing color and brightness to communities around the world. In 2023 alone, PPG invested more than $17.5 million, supporting hundreds of organizations across nearly 40 countries. These investments prioritize educational opportunities, helping to cultivate tomorrow’s STEM innovators and skilled workforce in fields related to coatings and manufacturing.
PPG also empowers its employees to amplify their impact by supporting volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Through partnerships like the one with Heart of America and initiatives like the Colorful Communities program, PPG continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating brighter, more sustainable futures for all.
Why This Project Matters
The revitalization of the Boys & Girls Club in Fort Lauderdale exemplifies how businesses, nonprofits, and communities can collaborate to drive meaningful change. By leveraging PPG’s expertise in color and innovation, the project not only enhances the physical space but also creates an environment where young people can thrive.
As PPG celebrates a decade of transforming communities through the Colorful Communities program, this initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that thoughtful design, vibrant colors, and collective action can have on individuals and society as a whole. With another 10 years ahead, PPG is poised to continue making a lasting difference—one brushstroke at a time.
