Westchester Children’s Museum Receives $10,000 Grant from Wells Fargo
Funds will target low- to moderate-income families
Westchester County, N.Y. (January 19, 2012) – The Westchester Children’s Museum (WCM) was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation in recognition of its efforts to engage children across the region in exploratory learning opportunities designed to stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Funds from the grant will target youth from low- to moderate-income families through WCM’s outreach program, Museum Without Walls.
Museum Without Walls has been traveling to local community centers throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties since the program began in early 2010. In that time, WCM’s volunteer educators have provided thousands of students with meaningful and fun hands-on educational activities in science, technology, engineering and math. Students also participate in the creative arts through music, learn about cultural diversity, and examine environmental and sustainability issues.
“All Museum Without Walls programs are funded privately by corporate, foundation and individual supporters,” explained Tracy Kay, executive director of Westchester Children’s Museum. “We are extremely grateful to Wells Fargo for their generous contributions, which will positively impact so many of our area youth with programming that inspires discovery and a lasting love for learning.”
Wells Fargo maintains an active role in the communities it serves, often supporting organizations such as WCM that broaden access to cultural experiences for children from low- and moderate-income families. The company strives to enhance community diversity and eliminate the K-12th grade achievement gap through meaningful curriculum-based programs like those offered through Museum Without Walls.
“Museum Without Walls reaches a critical segment of our region’s youth,” said Kay. “These children are often the ones most impacted by declining school budgets, which have eliminated many out-of-school enrichment programs.” The Museum Without Walls program has served over 40 community centers and school groups and 2,000 children.
For more information on WCM or to learn about other ways to help, please call 914-421-5050 or visit http://www.discoverWCM.org.
About Westchester Children’s Museum
Westchester Children’s Museum (WCM) will be a learning laboratory providing children, families, and school groups throughout Westchester County and the surrounding region with the opportunity to nurture curiosity, enhance knowledge, and ignite imagination through hands-on exploration. WCM is committed to broadening knowledge of the arts, the environment, multiculturalism, and the local and global communities in an educational and recreational atmosphere. The Westchester County Board of Legislators recently granted WCM a home at the historic Rye Playland North Bathhouse, where families will learn and explore through state-of-the-art exhibits. Until its physical home is built, WCM is dedicated to fulfilling its educational mission through its Museum Without Walls program, which has brought hands-on educational programs to nearly 3,000 children since launching in March 2010. For more information about WCM, please visit www.discoverWCM.org.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. With more than 270,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 23 on Fortune’s 2011 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially.
Contact:
Barbara Wollenberg
Co-Communications
914-666-0066
