in-the-newsCade Museum Receives PNC Foundation Grant to Support Early STEM Education

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention has received a $10,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to support its STEM Start at Head Start program which delivers hands-on STEM education for children under 5 in eight centers throughout Alachua County. 

“Introducing STEM at preschool age helps level the playing field for all children,” said Patty Lipka, the museum’s director of Experiential Education. “By nurturing curiosity and problem-solving early, we’re giving every child — no matter their background — the chance to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.” 

Jody Farmer, the museum’s senior manager of Donor Engagement, said, “This grant makes it possible for our educators to work with over 300 littles over the school year and throughout the summer. PNC is making an incredible investment in their futures.” 

Funding for STEM Start at Head Start was made possible through PNC’s signature philanthropic initiative, PNC Grow Up Great®. Launched in 2004, the program supports programs, resources and experiences that enhance learning and development for children from birth to age 5. 

“PNC is proud to continue our support of the Cade Museum and the important work it does to inspire and educate our youngest learners,” said Chris Kalin, PNC regional president for North Florida. “By investing in programs like STEM Start at Head Start, we’re helping ensure that families across Alachua County have access to high-quality early learning opportunities that strengthen our community and create lasting impact for generations to come.” 

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The Foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. For more information, visit http://www.pncgrowupgreat.com.  

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Media Contact
Julie DeCarmine, jdecarmine@cademuseum.org