EQT Foundation grant supports Penn College K-12 initiatives

Pennsylvania College of Technology will be offering STEM education and arts enrichment to regional K-12 students, thanks to $40,000 in grant funding from the EQT Foundation.

The $40,000 will be split evenly between two initiatives: STEMFest, an immersive 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 believe that introducing young people to new experiences and opportunities can have a lasting impact on their futures,” said Ellen Rossi, president of the EQT Foundation. “Whether it’s discovering a potential career through hands-on STEM activities or experiencing the performing arts, these programs encourage curiosity, creativity and exploration. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Penn College to help bring these meaningful educational experiences to students across the region.”

Held annually in May, STEMFest brings hundreds of middle school students to Penn College’s main campus to connect with careers rooted in science, technology, engineering and math. Penn College faculty and staff lead a variety of hands-on workshops, including concrete science, robotics, nondestructive testing, polymer science and civil engineering.

“We are grateful for EQT’s generous and sustained partnership,” said Shanin L. Dougherty, senior corporate relations officer. “With their support of STEMFest, we are able to introduce applied technology education and future careers in technology and the trades to the next generation of the workforce.”

The Educational Series at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center, an arts venue owned and operated by Penn College in downtown Williamsport, brings thousands of northcentral Pennsylvania K-12 students to the historic theater throughout the year for live shows featuring subjects aligned with curriculum.

“Thanks to the EQT Foundation, the Journey Bank Community Arts Center can continue introducing K-12 students to the excitement and value of the performing arts,” said Megan M. Damron, development director for the Journey Bank CAC. “Our Educational Series encourages curiosity and creative thinking and helps foster a lifelong interest in the arts. We are grateful for the EQT Foundation’s investment in providing memorable educational experiences for the youth in 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.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions & Secondary Partnerships Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.