PPL Foundation announces $600,000 in regional grants

By Stacy Wescoe, December 13, 2017 at 9:30 AM

The PPL Foundation of Allentown has announced its latest round of grants to community organizations.

A total of 16 organizations, which are working to improve education, workforce development and community vitalization in PPL Corp.’s 29-county service territory, will share $600,000.

In the Greater Lehigh Valley, the recipients are:

• Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology in Allentown received $25,000 to support a Science on the Move outreach vehicle, which will increase the number of students served through outreach programs in northeast Pennsylvania.

• Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation received $30,000 to support expansion of LCCC’s STEM initiative to all three campuses (Schnecksville, Allentown and Tamaqua), including the STEM Academy, Women in STEM GROW mentoring program and the Science Technology Talent Showcase to recognize student achievement in STEM programs (science, technology, engineering and math).

• Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board received $25,000 to support the development of a leadership program for girls 12 to 15, connecting girls with mentors, career options, leadership skills and community service opportunities.

• Pocono Environmental Education Center received $25,000 to support the development of the organization’s sustainability lodge, an education center for the community.

• Pocono Services for Families and Children received $45,000 to support the development of an outdoor classroom for use by hundreds of children attending the on-site child care center.

• Valley Youth House in the Lehigh Valley received $25,000 to provide a free, week-long overnight STEM camp for disadvantaged youth.

• Wildlands Conservancy in the Lehigh Valley received $25,000 to support the expansion of a sensory trail, accommodating more visitors and improving the safety and accessibility of the parking area.

“There are many nonprofit organizations that are working to better the lives of the people who call our region home,” said Ryan Hill, president of PPL Foundation. “The PPL Foundation is proud to support the efforts of the organizations that help make our communities safe, strong and sustainable.”

Earlier this year, the foundation awarded more than $450,000 in grants to more than 70 community organizations.

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Stacy Wescoe

Writer and online editor Stacy Wescoe has her finger on the pulse of the business community in the Greater Lehigh Valley and keeps you up-to-date with technology and trends, plus what coworkers and competitors are talking about around the water cooler — and on social media. She can be reached at stacyw@lvb.com or 610-807-9619, ext. 4104. Follow her on Twitter at @morestacy and on Facebook. Circle Stacy Wescoe on Google+.