Grand Opening to Celebrate Unique Education Programs of the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Technology
Community invited to May 13th event for tours, demonstrations, music and food
Philadelphia, PA - On Thursday, May 13, 2010, the Philadelphia Center for Arts and TechnologyTM (PCATTM) will celebrate its community grand opening with live music, light fare, student performances, art exhibitions, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and more. The event is open to the public and features a tour of the 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art learning facility on Eastburn Avenue. Activities begin at 4 p.m.
PCAT offers unique educational programs for youth and young adults, plus personal enrichment for community members of all ages. These programs help develop the academic, work and life skills participants need to thrive in the 21st century. PCAT is a collaborative, community-based initiative spearheaded by the Office of Pennsylvania State Representative Dwight Evans, the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation, and Foundations, Inc.
"The individual attention that these young people receive at PCAT is just as vital as the academics," says Foundations' President and CEO, Rhonda H. Lauer. "Every day, caring adults - experts in the arts, technology, and the green trades - volunteer their time to empower youth with knowledge so they can transform their own lives and those of others. It's a truly remarkable initiative."
By design, PCAT programs expose students to areas of study and career opportunities seldom available to inner-city populations, including the high-growth fields of the visual and performing arts, technology, green energy and environmental design, culinary arts and horticulture. Local artisans and educators, businesses and universities provide PCAT not only with world-class programming, but also internships and apprenticeships that can lead to jobs and higher education. PCAT staff can also connect students with more complex educational, social or family issues to appropriate community supports.
The grand opening celebration will feature live music from Philadelphia-native DJ AKtive, as well as interactive booths, information tables and fun activities for the whole family. Demonstrations include mural arts, student conductors leading the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra and song development with well-known producer and lyricist Kwame. Culinary arts students from eight schools across the city will serve light fare, while PCAT student-farmers will sell produce from their urban farm and greenhouse, located on the grounds of Martin Luther King High School.
"This celebration is the perfect showcase for our students, our partners and our innovative programs," says Claudia Averette, Director of PCAT. "PCAT is a gift of hope to the city, and you can see it by the smiles on people's faces."
For more information about PCAT, visit www.pcatphilly.org
Media contact: John Henderson, Executive Director, Communications
Office: 888-977-5437 or 856-533-1600
Cell: 610-213-3606
Foundations, Inc., a national nonprofit organization, is committed to building the quality of educational opportunities for children, youth, and families through work with public and charter schools, school districts, education and community-based organizations, and the afterschool field. As a capacity-building organization, Foundations focuses on professional development, technical assistance, program development, and supporting tools, publications, and services.