Company Establishes Plastics Scholarship at Penn College

Published 02.16.2017

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Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies News

A leading global thermoplastics company will reward students’ interest in plastics by establishing two $7,000 scholarships at Pennsylvania College of Technology for Fall 2017.

Preference for the Sekisui SPI Workforce Development Scholarship will be given to first-year students seeking a bachelor’s degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology, who reside in Pennsylvania or Michigan and rank in the top third of their high school graduating class.



Penn College plastics students work in an extrusion lab under the direction of Gary E. McQuay, center, engineering manager for the Plastics Innovation Resource Center at the college. Sekisui SPI, part of Sekisui Chemical Co., is establishing a scholarship for first-year plastics students at Penn College.Sekisui SPI serves customers in 34 countries across major industries utilizing thermoplastics, such as aviation, transportation and agriculture. Sekisui SPI is part of Sekisui Chemical Co., an $11 billion global leader in plastics and chemicals.

“SPI is fortunate to be part of a growing and dynamic industry where innovation improves the health, safety and well-being of our planet,” said Ronn Cort, chief operating officer and president of Sekisui SPI. “We are driven to improve how and what we manufacture in the United States, creating great careers for talented people. But our future depends on the next generation of industry leaders – the exact type of professionals graduating from Penn College. We are honored to be associated with Penn College, as it continues to develop the talented people who will positively impact our industry and environment.”

“We are thankful that Sekisui thinks so highly of Penn College’s plastics program to devote scholarship dollars to the institution,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, director of corporate relations. “Their commitment is further evidence that Penn College is an outstanding educator and proving ground for tomorrow’s plastics professionals.”

Penn College is among just a handful of institutions nationwide with plastics degrees that are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. In addition to the bachelor’s degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology, the college offers an associate degree in plastics and polymer technology.

Graduates of the Penn College plastics program have a nearly 100-percent job-placement rate, according to Timothy E. Weston, associate professor of plastics and polymer technology and department head.

For more information about SEKISUI Polymer Innovations LLC, visit the company's website.

For more information regarding Penn College’s plastics majors and other programs offered by the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

Those interested in contributing to or establishing a scholarship can send a gift to the Penn College Foundation, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701; or call the Institutional Advancement Office toll-free at 866-GIVE-2-PC (866-448-3272).

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.