PNC Students Earn Strosacker Professional Development Grants

purdue-north-centralPurdue University North Central Early Childhood Education students have earned Strosacker Professional Development Mini-Grants to be used for a variety of projects.

The Strosacker Foundation was established in 1957 by the late Charles J. Strosacker, one of the pioneers of the Dow Chemical Company. Strosacker was known for his philanthropy and throughout his life, gave to those in need. The foundation awarded more than $2.5 million in grants in 2013, according to its most recent annual report. Since 2010, more than $5,000 has been awarded to PNC for 30 mini-grants to support a variety of projects that have had an impact on children, ages birth to grade 3. Any PNC student is eligible to apply for this award.

Students earning awards and their projects are:
Victoria DeMan – “Groovin’ to the Beat” to purchase musical instruments for use in her future classroom. She also earned a grant to fund her attendance at the upcoming Indiana Campus Compact Service Engagement Summit in Indianapolis, where she will lead a session detailing how the PNC Early Childhood Education students developed the Library Sprouts reading program at the Westville and Wanatah libraries.

Angela Krueger – “Army of Readers” to be used for picture books.

Millette Noble – “Will You Read Me a Story” for materials to enhance the Listening Center for the Little School in Westville.

Erin Provenzano – “Music Library” for the purchase of musical instruments. She also earned a grant for her project, “One for Everyone” that will support the establishment of a grassroots organization that builds inclusive playgrounds that are accessible for children with disabilities.

Kelly Salyer – “Hands on Manipulatives” that will buy materials with a focus on math learning.