Lansing ITEC Gets $7,500 Grant From PNC Foundation

LANSING (WWJ) -- The Information Technology Empowerment Center in Lansing has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the PNC Foundation to improve skills for at-risk Lansing K-12 students in after-school programs and summer camps in science, technology, engineering and math.

The grant from the PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE: PNC), has allowed ITEC to expand their year-round programs in subjects such as Lego robotics, video game design, and digital filmmaking. ITEC aims to serve 675 youth in the late elementary and middle school years within the Capital Region and Greater Flint region at an average of 20 hours of instruction per student.

"We are not only building students' interests in STEM careers, but nourishing their creativity and self-confidence," said ITEC executive director Kirk Riley. "We are very grateful to have a community partner such as the PNC Foundation step forward to invest in our students' futures."

Founded in 2007, ITEC is a Lansing non-profit that works to increase student attitudes and perceptions toward science and math learning. ITEC classes build demonstrable IT and STEM skills, along with 21st century learning skills including problem solving, communication, and experimentation. ITEC's mission is to equip its community of students with an innovative mindset and the digital skills necessary for academic and professional success.

"The STEM curriculum at ITEC offers practical benefits that will positively impact students for a lifetime," said Tim Salisbury, PNC regional president for Mid-Michigan, speaking on behalf of The PNC Foundation. "This training will put local at-risk children on the path to productive careers in our increasingly technology driven society."

To learn more about the PNC Foundation, go to www.pnc.com. More about ITEC and its programs at www.iteclansing.org.