(Cleveland) - In a $4.1 million initiative, PNC Bank N.A., the PNC Foundation and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will create community education programs that will connect and engage local residents for years to come.
In an expansion of its longstanding support, PNC Bank has launched a $3.75 million, five-year sponsorship of the Rock Hall. In addition, the PNC Foundation has pledged $375,000 to fund Hall of Fame Toddler Rock activities for another five years in support of PNC Grow Up Great®, its early childhood education initiative. It’s all part of PNC’s plan to empower and connect Northeast Ohioans to build a stronger region.
“There’s no limit to what can be accomplished when the power of rock and roll is combined with education,” said Greg Harris, CEO of the Rock Hall. “Thanks to PNC Bank and the PNC Foundation, we’re turning it up to 11 to engage and inspire more Northeast Ohio students.”
The PNC Foundation’s funding renewal for the world-renowned Toddler Rock extends its alliance into a second decade as part of its strategy to prepare children for success in school and life. Toddler Rock uses music, movement, singing and storytelling to teach children ages 3 to 5 how to recognize letters and numbers, solve problems, communicate and interact with others.
“Music has the power to transcend the boundaries of age, time and background,” said Paul Clark, PNC regional president for Cleveland. “That power can be transformed into an educational and entertainment conductor that will bring the community together to create a stronger, more vibrant region.”
As children graduate from Toddler Rock, they can continue their rock and roll education with Rockin the Schools, the Rock Hall’s interdisciplinary classes for K-12. More schools in Cuyahoga County will be invited to the Rock Hall to take advantage of this program, and PNC’s sponsorship will cover transportation costs.
(Photo by Duane Procop/Getty Images)