EQT Foundation supports college’s K-12 educational initiatives

Students in grades K-12 are the beneficiaries of a $40,000 gift from the EQT Foundation, the philanthropic extension of EQT Corp., the nation’s largest producer of natural gas.

The funds are supporting two Pennsylvania College of Technology programs – the Tinker Camp and the Community Arts Center’s Educational Series. Each initiative is receiving $20,000.

“The EQT Foundation’s support of Tinker Camp will allow us to provide a top-tier pre-college program experience to students in grades 9-12,” said Kathy D. Chesmel, assistant dean of materials science and engineering technology. “Through the program, cohorts of young women and men will get a hands-on experience in manufacturing, engineering and fabricating their own projects. It’s vital to our institutional mission that we continue to expose our community to the programs that we offer and the career opportunities available in manufacturing. As a female engineer myself, I am excited about the opportunity this grant creates for us to expose all students – and especially young women – to the interconnectedness of engineering and manufacturing.”

Tinker Camp is part of Penn College’s annual Summer Camps, offered in June and July.

“We are incredibly grateful to the EQT Foundation for its support of the Educational Series at the Community Arts Center,” said Ana Gonzalez-White, college relations officer in charge of CAC development. “This generous gift benefits thousands of local K-12 students, affording them the opportunity to experience live, professional and educational performances in the historical Community Arts Center theater.”

Since 2007, the CAC’s Educational Series has served to enhance and support the performing arts via curriculum-based arts education in children’s literature, American history, STEM education and theater play. Owned and operated by Penn College, the CAC offers a broad range of programming dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the community.

“Supporting programs that enhance and strengthen a student’s enthusiasm and appreciation of STEM and the arts has always been a focus of the foundation,” said Ellen Rossi, president of the EQT Foundation. “And by working with a strong, trusted partner like Penn College to help deliver programs like this in Williamsport, we know the students and families will benefit far beyond the camp or theater experience.”

The EQT Foundation has been a consistent supporter of Penn College, and with this $40,000 grant, the organization advances from the Ambassadors Society (gifts of $25,000 to $49,999) to the Heritage Society (gifts of $50,000 to $99,999) on the Penn College Donor Wall, which pays permanent tribute to individuals, families, organizations and businesses who have made significant contributions to the college.

Since its inception, EQT Foundation has awarded more than $74 million to nonprofits throughout EQT Corp.’s operational footprint in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. The foundation’s funding priorities are focused in three areas: community enrichment, education and workforce, and the environment.

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