PNC Bank and the PNC Foundation have a strategic focus on improving the quality of life for children and families while bringing economic empowerment to the communities where they live, work and serve. PNC strongly believes that children deserve to “Grow Up Great.”
As the fifth largest commercial banking organization in the country, PNC is committed to enhancing early childhood education and has been a Champion of Education with the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County for many years. Together, they share the vision of hope and opportunity that investing in children early prepares students academically for success and as they grow in life to become thriving members of society.
“Our support of the Education Foundation is a strategic investment in the future of Palm Beach County preschoolers,” said Kim Reckley, PNC Bank client & community relations director for Southeast Florida. “Bringing awareness to the importance of early education to this community is essential. We know that a child who enters kindergarten ready to learn is more likely to do well in school, pass the third-grade reading test, graduate on time and have a successful future.”
PNC made a long-term investment in early education in 2004 to establish its signature program, PNC Grow Up Great. This now $500 million, multi-year, bilingual initiative helps to prepare children ages birth to five for success in school and life, with more than 7 million children served since its inception. With the guidance from the PNC Grow Up Great Advisory Council, consisting of experts like the National Head Start, Fred Rogers Productions and Sesame Workshop, PNC provides Palm Beach County teachers with resources and materials that share important lessons and values in a fun way.
“Studies have shown the measurable impact school readiness has on the success of children in school and life,” Reckley added. “Babies are born with 100 billion neurons, and emerging neuroscientific research shows that children exposed to tuning in and talking more starting at birth have increased vocabulary, intelligence and a stronger skill formation. By providing instructive and thoughtful solutions for parents, caregivers and local organizations like the Education Foundation, we’re supporting a solid foundation for the growth and success of Palm Beach children, their families and ultimately, our local economy.”
These valuable resources are distributed through the Education Foundation’s signature program, Red Apple Supplies. PNC’s dedication to supporting young children can be seen in the STEM Lab at the Village Academy on the Art & Sara Jo Kobacker Campus where students’ imaginations are sparked through the many engaging projects that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math.
Locally, the PNC Foundation awarded a $400,000 grant to the Florida Association of Early Learning Coalitions, and launched the “Any Time is 3Ts Time” campaign to empower parents with knowledge and skills to prepare children to learn and to foster early cognitive and socio-emotional development. The campaign has strategies, videos, tips, print and electronic resources in English and Spanish. In fact, families with children from birth to age 3 are welcome to register in the 3Ts Partner Portal at partners.the3Ts.org to learn more and access resources.
PNC’s investment also includes its most treasured asset –people. The strong corporate culture of giving back to the community is evident every fall as you see the PNC team cross the finish line of the Foundation’s Heroes for Education Run Walk. As a devoted member of the Education Foundation Board of Directors, Reckley volunteers her time as a dedicated member of the Programs & Grants committee both as a reviewer of the GoTeach! Classroom Grants and through her thought leadership. Reckley helps guide investments in the Foundation’s programs that impact thousands of students within The School District of Palm Beach County public schools.
PNC continues to invest in our students early on, remains consistent and attentive, and together, future generations of leaders will “Grow Up Great” to change the world. This is the work of a Champion of Education.
If your company looks to change the world, let’s do it together, through education. Contact the Education Foundation today to start the conversation.
