PPL Foundation grant to help fund CAC Education Series
Published 07.07.2020
News
The Community Arts Center has received a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation toward support of its 2020-21 Educational Series.
The Educational Series primarily serves nine school districts in Lycoming and Sullivan counties: East Lycoming, Jersey Shore Area, Loyalsock Township, Montgomery Area, Montoursville Area, Muncy, South Williamsport Area, Sullivan and Williamsport Area. Students from K-12 within those districts are invited to attend professional live performances designated for each grade level. Annually, the program serves 5,000 to 8,000 students at no cost to them.
“Exposure through the Educational Series opens the CAC to entire families and fosters familiarity and love for the arts in future families,” explained Chuck Still, executive director. The series is considered a first step toward enhancing the quality of life in our communities and laying a strong foundation for appreciation of the arts.
Studies show that an arts education improves communication skills, increases empathy in the student population and is linked to cognitive growth, reading ability, creative thinking skills, overall engagement in school, and increased graduation rates.
“Applications for additional support from various sources are pending,” said Ana Gonzalez-White, development director for the Arts Center. “We are grateful to the PPL Foundation for this award and for the long-standing relationship that allows our youth to experience exceptional theater.” Many young people do not have the opportunity to experience the arts, making the Series an essential education program beyond the classroom.
Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports organizations working to create vibrant, sustainable communities; promote diversity, equity and inclusion; and empower each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. Using a competitive application-and-review process, it contributes more than $3 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations.
The Educational Series primarily serves nine school districts in Lycoming and Sullivan counties: East Lycoming, Jersey Shore Area, Loyalsock Township, Montgomery Area, Montoursville Area, Muncy, South Williamsport Area, Sullivan and Williamsport Area. Students from K-12 within those districts are invited to attend professional live performances designated for each grade level. Annually, the program serves 5,000 to 8,000 students at no cost to them.
“Exposure through the Educational Series opens the CAC to entire families and fosters familiarity and love for the arts in future families,” explained Chuck Still, executive director. The series is considered a first step toward enhancing the quality of life in our communities and laying a strong foundation for appreciation of the arts.Studies show that an arts education improves communication skills, increases empathy in the student population and is linked to cognitive growth, reading ability, creative thinking skills, overall engagement in school, and increased graduation rates.
“Applications for additional support from various sources are pending,” said Ana Gonzalez-White, development director for the Arts Center. “We are grateful to the PPL Foundation for this award and for the long-standing relationship that allows our youth to experience exceptional theater.” Many young people do not have the opportunity to experience the arts, making the Series an essential education program beyond the classroom.
Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports organizations working to create vibrant, sustainable communities; promote diversity, equity and inclusion; and empower each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. Using a competitive application-and-review process, it contributes more than $3 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations.