Public Museum to host 1,500 preschoolers thanks to PNC Foundation grant

The Grand Rapids Public Museum has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to bring more than 1,500 preschoolers to the museum throughout the spring months. Students from Head Start for Kent County, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and the GRCC Laboratory Preschool will visit the museum for one of two exhibits: Whales: Giants of the Deep or Creatures of Light!

In addition to exploring exhibits, children will participate in a curriculum designed around the exhibits to develop active listening and literacy engagement while teaching children about how animals developed to survive in their habitats.

"The PNC Foundation has been instrumental in helping the Museum reach students who may not normally be able to visit, and we give them a big thank you for the role they play,” said Dale Robertson, President and CEO at the GRPM. “It is our goal to provide transformational learning experiences for all ages. We love seeing students benefit from the educational opportunities we provide."

PNC Grow Up Great is a $350 million, multi-year bilingual initiative created to improve early childhood education, primarily in underserved areas. PNC launched a three-year program in science and the arts for DPSCD preschool students in 2010 with a $2.1 million commitment, and extended the program for two additional years and another $950,000 in 2014.

“This partnership with the museum and Head Start will allow us to provide a unique science and math learning experience to over 1,500 preschoolers and their teachers,” said PNC Regional President Sean Welsh, speaking on behalf of The PNC Foundation. “PNC recognizes the critical role that access to high-quality early childhood education plays in the lives of area children, their families and ultimately, our economy.”