PPL Foundation grant benefits Arts Center’s Educational Series

Published 08.24.2022

News
Corporate Relations

Cultural enrichment offered by the Community Arts Center to students in nine local school districts will benefit from a $5,000 PPL Foundation grant. The funds help to support the 2022-23 Educational Series hosted by the Arts Center.

“PPL is a valued partner of the Community Arts Center, and the foundation’s generosity is a significant component of what makes our Educational Series possible,” said Jim Dougherty, executive director of the CAC. “We’re grateful to be able to bring incredible performances and educational content to our stage for local schoolchildren, and philanthropic gifts like this allow us to continue to do so.”



A $5,000 PPL Foundation grant will benefit the Community Arts Center’s Educational Series offered to students in nine local school districts. Marking the partnership are (from left) Jim Dougherty, the CAC’s executive director; Tracie L. Witter, regional affairs director, PPL Electric Utilities; and Ana Gonzalez-White, college relations officer for the CAC and Pennsylvania College of Technology. The Educational Series primarily serves school districts in Lycoming and Sullivan counties: East Lycoming, Jersey Shore Area, Loyalsock Township, Montgomery Area, Montoursville Area, Muncy, South Williamsport Area, Williamsport Area, and Sullivan County. The artistic programming is geared toward four grade ranges within K-12 and aligns with the subjects of children’s literature, American history, STEM education and theater play. The series has impacted up to 10,000 students annually in previous seasons and has been offered since 2007.

“The PPL Regional grants committee values the Community Arts Center and its role in the area,” said Tracie L. Witter, regional affairs director for PPL Electric Utilities. “We see it not only as a beautiful venue in downtown Williamsport, but as a hub for and host to incredible talent. This particular program for schools is one that our committee thinks very highly of because it provides transportation to students from two counties to attend shows who may not otherwise be able to do so. Eliminating any barrier to get to the arts is so valuable.”

The CAC’s Educational Series is a first step in laying a strong foundation for the appreciation of the arts. Studies show that 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.

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process.

Youngsters excitedly stroll into the Community Arts Center in May for an Educational Series show. The series strives to lay a foundation for arts appreciation and is offered to students in nine area school districts. 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. The PPL Foundation contributes to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in eastern and central Pennsylvania.

A vital part of Williamsport’s downtown and the regional arts and cultural scene, the CAC’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for the community by providing exceptional arts and entertainment events and participatory activities; offering programming that is appropriate and accessible to the diverse interests and needs of a regional audience; and providing courteous service and maintaining a warm and welcoming environment to guests.

Funding for CAC programming is derived from various sources, including grants, individual donations, corporate sponsorships and Educational Improvement Tax Credit funds.

For more information about giving opportunities, contact Ana Gonzalez-White, college relations officer for the CAC and Penn College, at 570-327-7657 or by email.

The CAC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pennsylvania College of Technology, a national leader in applied technology education.