Allegheny College has been awarded a grant from the PPG Foundation as part of the institution’s Creek Connections program.
The PPG Foundation is focused on “brightening communities and futures.” PPG’s grant program focuses on encouraging STEM education and enhancing work readiness skills.
Creek Connections has forged an effective partnership between Allegheny College and regional middle and high schools to turn waterways in Northwest Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh area, and beyond into outdoor environmental laboratories. Emphasizing a hands-on, inquiry based investigation of local waterways, this project annually involves over 40 different secondary schools and the classes of 50 teachers.
The purpose of the grant is to help students increase their environmental literacy by studying a local waterway and become exposed to the scientific method and other science concepts by conducting the testing themselves,” says Wendy Kedzierski, director of Creek Connections.
The program simultaneously allows Allegheny College students to apply their knowledge as they instruct K-12 students in environmental education.
Funding will cover monthly water quality monitoring and associated costs to make this routine maintenance possible.
