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ALLENTOWN, Pa., Dec. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The PPL Foundation today announced the latest recipients of funds from its grant program, awarding nearly $600,000 to support 16 organizations working to empower the communities they serve.

"Whether enhancing educational opportunities for students in our communities or providing disadvantaged workers what they need to achieve economic stability, there are many nonprofit organizations that are working to better the lives of the people who call our region home," said Ryan Hill, president of the PPL Foundation. "The PPL Foundation is proud to support the efforts of the organizations that help make our communities safe, strong and sustainable."

The awards announced today will support a variety of projects in PPL Foundation's focus areas: education, workforce development and community revitalization.

Earlier this year, the PPL Foundation awarded more than $450,000 in sustaining grants to more than 70 community organizations. Today's announcement brings the Foundation's 2017 community grants to more than $1 million.

Major Grant recipients are:

• Bethesda Mission in Harrisburg received $25,000 to support the renovation of a recently purchased building for use as a community center for the Bethesda Mission. The Center will include classroom space, a larger kitchen and enhanced security allowing the Mission to expand outreach efforts to the neighborhood's children and youth.
• Bloomsburg University Foundation's Regional STEM Education Center received $30,000 to expand programming opportunities for students participating in the Center's Anchor program for youth in foster care, the Girls in STEM program and the STEM Adventure Camps.
• Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology in Allentown received $25,000 to support a Science on the Move outreach vehicle, which will increase the number of students served through outreach programs in Northeast Pennsylvania.
• Employment Opportunity & Training Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania received $25,000 for its Transition to Success initiative, which helps disadvantaged workers achieve family and economic stability through life skills and job readiness training, job search/placement assistance and employment related support.
• Lancaster County Council of Churches received $30,000 for its Wheels to Work program, which removes barriers to self-sustainable employment by providing low-cost transportation in support of workforce development.
• Lancaster Science Center received $100,000 to support a new hands-on science exhibit and expansion of STEM programming.
• Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation received $30,000 to support expansion of LCCC's STEM initiative to all three campuses (Schnecksville, Allentown and Tamaqua), including the STEM Academy, Women in STEM GROW mentoring program and the Science Technology Talent Showcase to recognize student achievement in STEM programs.
• Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board received $25,000 to support the development of a leadership program for girls ages 12 to 15, connecting girls with mentors, career options, leadership skills and community service opportunities.
• Newport Revitalization and Preservation Society received $30,000 to support the final phase of a community revitalization project, including an upgraded playground.
• Northumberland County Council for the Arts & Humanities in Shamokin received $72,000 to support the renovation of a community center that houses the town's library, museum and other community organizations.
• Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences received $55,000 to provide students the opportunity to attend the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences' summer program at Carnegie Mellon University.
• Pocono Environmental Education Center received $25,000 to support the development of the organization's Sustainability Lodge, an education center for the community.
• Pocono Services for Families and Children received $45,000 to support the development of an outdoor classroom for use by hundreds of children attending the on-site child care center.
• Scranton Lackawanna Human Development Agency received $25,000 for a program that will bring STEM curriculum to Head Start students in a four-county area as part of an initiative to provide high quality early childhood education in Northeast Pennsylvania.
• Valley Youth House in the Lehigh Valley received $25,000 to provide a free, week-long overnight STEM camp for disadvantaged youth.
• Wildlands Conservancy in the Lehigh Valley received $25,000 to support the expansion of a sensory trail, accommodating more visitors and improving the safety and accessibility of the parking area.

PPL is committed to supporting communities across its 29-county service area and providing tools that help empower economic vitality.

The PPL Foundation awards grants in spring and fall. The next grant cycle, for sustaining grants that assist organizations with general operating expenses, begins in January. Interested organizations can apply for grants from $1,000 to $25,000.

To be considered for a grant, all organizations must apply online.

Please visit www.pplcares.com to learn more.

About the PPL Foundation
Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation will support organizations that are doing innovative and groundbreaking work to create vital, sustainable communities and empowering each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. Since its inception in 2015, the PPL Foundation has contributed more than $6 million to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in eastern and central Pennsylvania.

Note to Editors: Visit our media website at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news and background about PPL Corporation.

Contact: Lissette Santana, 610-774-5997

SOURCE PPL Foundation