PHOTO PROVIDED The Penn College Community Arts Center was recently awarded $5,000 from the M&T Charitable Foundation.

WILLIAMSPORT — The Penn College Community Arts Center recently announced it was awarded a generous grant of $5,000 from the M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank.

This funding will be used to support the educational programming at the venue reinforcing the arts center’s mission to offer programming that is appropriate to the diverse interests and needs of our regional audience and priced fairly to assure accessibility to all.

“At M&T, we’re proud to support arts and culture in North Central Pennsylvania through our grant to the Penn College Community Arts Center and its impactful educational programming,” said Carmen Magistro, Northern PA Regional President for M&T Bank. “The arts center is a cultural cornerstone for the region — driving creativity, tourism and economic activity while bringing world-class performances and learning opportunities to Williamsport and beyond. We commend Penn College for thoughtfully integrating its academic and vocational expertise into the arts center, creating hands-on experiences that connect education, creativity and career pathways. Most importantly, this work is expanding access to the arts for young people across the region, inspiring the next generation and strengthening the community for years to come.”

Annually, since 2007, the arts center has provided thousands of students access to exceptional arts programming through its Educational Series enhancing the classroom curriculum of nine school districts.

Another highly engaging and experience-enriched student opportunity that is offered is the holiday production of “The Nutcracker.”

This collaboration with St. John’s School of the Arts Dance ensemble and Williamsport Youth Choir includes more than 125 young ballet dancers and musicians in grades kindergarten through 12. As part of its educational programming, the historic theatre also presents a summer program in collaboration with the Community Theatre League.

This popular musical, featuring junior and high school students from various school districts, includes over eight weeks of daily rehearsals and culminates in three days of performances in late July. This summer’s Community Encore Production is “Anastasia.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the M&T Charitable Foundation’s support of our educational programming. Their partnership is instrumental in allowing us to continue providing unique, high-quality experiences for the youth in our community,” said Ana Gonzalez-White, Director of Development & Community Relations for the Arts Center. “We believe the arts are vital to a vibrant community. This support helps us fill a critical need in our educational landscape, ensuring young people have access to transformative, hands-on artistic experiences.”

Funding for the educational programs is derived from various sources, including EITC funds, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants. For more information about giving opportunities, contact Gonzalez-White at 570-327-7657 or email awhite@caclive.com