Case Western’s new Sherwin-Williams Paint & Coatings Studio helps prepare students for the work force
By Joe Frye
A new collaboration between Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and Sherwin-Williams is set to strengthen Ohio’s role as a hub for innovation and STEM talent. The recently opened Sherwin-Williams Paint & Coatings Studio, located inside the university’s Sears think[box] builing, offers students and entrepreneurs access to professional-grade tools to assist with prototyping, fabrication and venture creation, according to JobsOhio.
“At Case Western Reserve, we focus on preparing students not only to understand the world, but to shape it,” says Case Western Provost and Executive Vice President Joy K. Ward. “This studio builds on that approach by providing access to industry-aligned tools and applications. Our partnership with Sherwin-Williams reflects a shared commitment to student success and opportunity — preparing students not just for STEM careers, but to lead in them.”
The studio represents a significant investment in Northeast Ohio’s growing materials science ecosystem. Equipped with advanced features such as an expanded paint booth, upgraded ventilation system and a powder-coating oven capable of handling large-scale projects, the space allows users to experiment with industry-level technology.
More than just a lab, the studio is designed as a direct pipeline to the workforce. In partnership with JobsOhio and Team NEO, Sherwin-Williams aims to prepare students for careers by ensuring they are prepared for internships and full-time roles.
““This investment is, at its core, an investment in people,” says Ellen Stephens, vice president of human resources at Sherwin-Williams. “We want a student’s first day at Sherwin-Williams to feel like a continuation of the work they started right here at think[box].”
Ultimately, JobsOhio says that the Sherwin-Williams Paint & Coatings Studio reflects a commitment to innovation, education and workforce development. By combining academic research with real-world tools and partnerships, it positions students and Northeast Ohio for continued success in the evolving STEM landscape.