The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is pleased to announce it has received a $27,500 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support fostering a generation of female mentors in STEM. The title of the program is, “Student to volunteer to employee to leader to advocate: Fostering a generation of female mentors in STEM”.

The program aims to develop emergent female voices in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) with the goal of producing young women who will act as STEM ambassadors at the many events and programs the museum produces.

“Developing an environment of stewardship is something we take seriously, particularly when it comes to underrepresented voices such as women in STEM,” said Dr. Ginny Weibel, Museum Director. “We are thrilled this project was selected by the PPL Foundation.”

As part of this grant, the Museum is partnering with The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and the For the Cause Teen Center in Berwick to produce a one-day teen leadership conference open to all high school students in the region.

“Showcasing success stories and inspiring young women and girls is critical in a world where it is hard to discern fact from fiction,” according to Jeffrey Emanuel, Director of The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce. “We want them to see and hear from Women STEM Leaders in our area who are examples and role models of what they can achieve.”

“For the Cause Teen Center is extremely excited to partner with The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum and The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce providing an innovative leadership platform for young voices in STEM. Our Youth Action Board members, the youth leaders who lead the center, are looking forward to participating,” said Teresa Peters, Regional Teen Center Director.

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. This year, the PPL Foundation received more than 100 applications during this highly competitive grant cycle. The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum was one of 17 organizations to be selected for a grant.

“We are continuously inspired by the caring, commitment and creativity of the many nonprofit organizations such as The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum who make a lasting difference in our communities, and this year’s grant recipients are no exception. We’re proud to support their efforts,” said Ryan Hill, PPL Foundation president.

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About the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit overseen by a board of directors. This organization strives to offer unique, sustainable, and dynamic learning opportunities for youth through year-round interactive exhibits, programming, and community outreach. For more information, please visit https://the-childrens-museum.org/.

About the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
While its programs evolve to meet the needs of students and employers, The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce remains focused on goals established at its inception in 1992, which are best summed up in its mission statement:

“Working together, the educators and employers of Columbia and Montour counties will ensure that lifelong learners obtain the academic, technical, and employability skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century workplace.” Through partnerships with educators, employers, and nonprofits in Columbia and Montour counties our Foundation has developed programs that focus on leadership and skills development, workplace wellness, and career exploration for learners of all ages.

About For The Cause Teen Center
For the Cause is committed to making our region a place where people are proud to live, work, and play. The organization achieves this by creating opportunities that strengthen local communities. The activities and programs they offer build a positive public image for communities, address gaps in social services, create opportunities for fun and celebration, and support efforts to create new and diverse jobs regionally.

About the PPL Foundation
Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are engaged in innovative and groundbreaking work to create vibrant, sustainable communities; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and support children’s success from cradle to career. The PPL Foundation contributes more than $3 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in eastern and central Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit pplcares.com.