Erie Insurance is investing approximately $900,000 in expanding its educational programs.
Nonprofit organizations benefit from Pennsylvania's Education Improvement Tax Credit program.
Among the 24 nonprofit organizations are the ExpERIence Children's Museum and the Lake Erie Arboretum (LEAF) at Frontier Park.
LEAF's executive director said the grant will support a tree planting program and work with Erie public school students to provide hands-on environmental education.
“We rely on grants and donations and everything else, so the money we get from Erie Insurance will help us move forward and go into these schools and teach kids and hopefully expand the program within the next year. “Likewise,'' said Erin Green, Leaf's executive director.
WQLN also received a grant for literacy programs.
“I think what makes this so unique and what gets kids back on track is reminding them that learning can be fun,” said Kathy Woodard, director of education services at WQLN. “This is a three-week evening workshop, a few hours a week, and we aim to provide families with the tools they need to promote active learning at home. I’m spending my time.”
The Inner City Neighborhood Art House on East 10th Street also received a grant. Their executive director said this type of funding made it possible for the show to continue.
“We offer classes in visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, environment, and gardening, and our classes are free and open to the public. In fact, we have expanded our programming from after-school and summer programs to now daytime and We've expanded into homeschooling. We also offer programs for adults,” said Kelly Straler, executive director of Inner City Neighborhood Art House.
Strahl said he plans to use the funds to purchase supplies and materials for the visual arts program.
