The Alcoa Foundation has awarded grants to two local organizations—the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation—to expand access to STEM/STEAM learning opportunities for underserved students across the region.

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Rivers of Steel STEAM education program site.

With a mission to be a catalyst for positive impact since its founding in 1952, the Alcoa Foundation prioritizes investments in the regions where Alcoa operates. These Pittsburgh-based projects reflect that commitment, just miles from Alcoa’s global headquarters.

“Alcoa Foundation is proud to contribute to programs in our headquarters city that inspire young learners and provide teachers with the resources they need,” said Caroline Rossignol, President, Alcoa Foundation. “These projects reflect the Foundation’s mission to advance educational opportunities and strengthen communities where Alcoa has a presence.”

The Rivers of Steel grant will support the Full STEAM Ahead program, providing K–12 students with immersive experiences in metal arts, environmental science and industrial history at the historic Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark.

“Programs like Full STEAM Ahead connect students from some of the region’s most economically challenged communities with Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage in ways that inspire future career pathways,” explained Chris McGinnis, Senior Director of Programs and Regional Partnerships at Rivers of Steel.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation grant will support the prototype phase of the Science Champions program, developed in collaboration with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. This early phase will focus on designing and testing curriculum and classroom kits aligned with Pennsylvania’s new STEELS science standards and West Virginia’s College Readiness program. The prototype will engage 40 educators and their students across 36 schools, using hockey as a fun and accessible way to explore core science concepts.

“The Science Champions program is about helping young people see themselves as scientists, while giving teachers practical tools to meet Pennsylvania’s new standards,” said Julie Hallinan, Senior Director for Special Projects, Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. “By connecting the excitement of hockey to the wonder of science, we can inspire students in a way that feels fun and accessible.”

Together, the two programs are expected to reach more than 2,000 students and educators across Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia.

About Alcoa Foundation

Founded in 1952, the Alcoa Foundation collaborates with trusted charitable organizations around the world to be a catalyst for positive impact by investing in projects that advance sustainable social, environmental, and economic outcomes, with priority placed on the regions where Alcoa operates. For more information visit https://www.alcoa.com/foundation/en.

About Rivers of Steel

Rivers of Steel showcases southwestern Pennsylvania’s industrial and cultural heritage through immersive programs that promote economic revitalization, community partnership, and heritage tourism. Learn more at www.riversofsteel.com.

About Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation is dedicated to being champions of all youth in the community, on and off the ice, through its pillars of wellness, youth hockey, education, and community initiatives. Learn more at www.pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org.

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