Innovative Partnership Reinforces Eastman's Commitment to Design Education

Aether's project-based approach to real world problem solving aligns with

Eastman's strategy of delivering value to the global community

KINGSPORT, Tenn., August 17, 2016 - Eastman announces an innovative partnership with Aether Global Education, a nonprofit think-tank focused on transformative learning through design education.

The Eastman Foundation, a private charitable foundation that focuses on innovative opportunities that make a difference, and the Eastman Innovation Lab, a strategic program that focuses on advancing innovation through design and material education, are investing in this effort, to promote the importance of design education and how creative students and professionals can improve local communities around the world.  Eastman invests in efforts that are catalytic and that create sustainable improvements in the areas of education, empowerment, economic development and the environment. Visit responsibility.eastman.com to learn more about the company's initiatives in these focus areas.

"The collective potential value of public-private partnerships is dramatic," says David A. Golden, senior vice president, chief legal & sustainability officer and corporate secretary for Eastman. "Aether's project-based approach of exposing future leaders to real world problem solving across cultures and geographies combined with their support of improving quality of life complements Eastman's strategy of delivering value to our global community."

As a think-tank, Aether delivers thought leadership, new curricula and innovative teaching platforms that prepare varying age groups for work in the current technology-driven, global business environment. In addition to SHiFT Design, the organization has two other teaching platforms:  META, a co-curricular experience for college graduates, expected to commence in 2017; and PRSM, a program designed to help mid-career professionals and executives drive innovation within their own organizations.

Tom Gattis, director and chief operating officer for Aether says that, "Aether's mission is to create freethinking, empathetic practitioners who will passionately lead their local and global communities through logical discourse, impeccable craft and sound strategic direction."

Eastman has been involved with the design community for more than 15 years and will continue materials education through the Eastman Innovation Lab and using design thinking in its corporate and Foundation partnerships to help improve communities around the world.