Pennsylvania College of Technology is the recipient of $40,000 in grant funding from the EQT Foundation in support of two initiatives benefiting K-12 students.
The $40,000 will be split evenly between STEMFest, a hands-on engagement day highlighting technical careers, and the Journey Bank Community Arts Center’s Educational Series, which provides annual arts programming and classroom resources.
“At the EQT Foundation, we are proud to support programs that expand opportunity for young people across our region,” said Ellen Rossi, president of the EQT Foundation. “By investing in hands-on STEM experiences like STEMFest alongside high-quality arts education, we hope to spark curiosity, open students’ eyes to new career pathways, and foster a lifelong appreciation for both scientific discovery and creative expression. These programs help students envision what’s possible for their futures while strengthening the communities we all share.”
Students enjoy hands-on experience in a concrete science lab at Pennsylvania College of Technology during last year’s STEMFest. A $40,000 grant from the EQT Foundation is supporting this year’s STEMFest – scheduled for May 13 – and the Journey Bank Community Arts Center’s Education Series. STEMFest is a day for middle school students to experience the promise of technical careers, and the Education Series provides arts programming and classroom resources for K-12 students.
Scheduled for May 13, STEMFest annually brings middle school students to Penn College’s main campus to experience the promise of careers rooted in science, technology, engineering and math. Workshops led by Penn College faculty and staff range from concrete science to robotics.
“With the EQT Foundation’s support, STEMFest will remain a powerful catalyst for hands-on learning for hundreds of middle school students in our region,” said Shanin L. Dougherty, senior corporate relations officer. “The event not only introduces students to STEM concepts but also strengthens community connections by inspiring young minds to pursue opportunities that benefit both themselves and the industries that drive our economy.”
The Education Series at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center, an arts venue owned and operated by Penn College in downtown Williamsport, brings K-12 students to the theater and provides supporting resources and lesson plans designed to enhance their experiences.
“The support of the EQT Foundation empowers the Journey Bank Community Arts Center to provide meaningful arts education for thousands of K-12 students across our region,” said Ana I. Gonzalez-White, development director for the CAC. “Through the Education Series, young learners experience live theater in our historic venue, sparking creativity and lifelong appreciation for the arts. We sincerely value this commitment to enriching both our youth and our community.”
The EQT Foundation is the philanthropic extension of EQT Corp., the nation’s leading natural gas producer and a global participant in the modern energy economy. The foundation invests in communities across EQT’s operating regions with a genuine commitment to their long-term economic vitality, safety and quality of life.
A consistent supporter of Penn College, the EQT Foundation is a member of the Visionary Society (gifts of $100,000 to $499,999) on the college’s Donor Wall.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
Get Penn College News in your inbox each morning.