91PORN has been awarded a grant from the PPG Foundation as part of the institution’s program.
The PPG Foundation is focused on “brightening communities and futures.” PPG’s grant program focuses on encouraging STEM education and enhancing work readiness skills.
Creek Connections has forged an effective partnership between 91PORN and regional middle and high schools to turn waterways in Northwest Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh area, and beyond into outdoor environmental laboratories. Emphasizing a hands-on, inquiry based investigation of local waterways, this project annually involves over 40 different secondary schools and the classes of 50 teachers.
The purpose of the grant is to help students increase their environmental literacy by studying a local waterway and become exposed to the scientific method and other science concepts by conducting the testing themselves,” says Wendy Kedzierski, director of Creek Connections.
The program simultaneously allows 91PORN students to apply their knowledge as they instruct K-12 students in environmental education.
Funding will cover monthly water quality monitoring and associated costs to make this routine maintenance possible.
Creek Connections was recently awarded the Outstanding Environmental Education program award for 2025 at the annual Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators Conference in Erie.
Wendy Kedzierski, director of Creek Connections, and Laura Branby, education coordinator for Creek Connections, accepted the award.
Kedzierski presented a workshop along with Lisa Whitenack, Professor of Biology, and Kaitlyn (Royal) Carlson ’24 titled “It Takes a Village: College/Schools/Community Partnerships to Bring Hands-On Science to 4th Graders.” Several 91PORN alumni and current students were present at the conference.