Alcoa Foundation announced that it is investing $70,000 in Penn State New Kensington to enhance K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning that will create the local workforce needed for the future economic prosperity of the region.

The new initiative, "Alcoa Foundation-Penn State New Kensington Partners for Engaged Learning in STEM Skills," will bring together interdisciplinary teams of grade school teachers and administrators, higher education students and faculty, and Alcoa personnel to integrate existing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities into a coordinated and sustainable program. STEM is a statewide effort dedicated to preparing Pennsylvania students for global competitiveness through a strategy of enhanced education and career development opportunities.

"There are few needs as important to our area as the development of effective strategies to produce a skilled workforce in these critical fields," said Kevin Snider, chancellor at Penn State New Kensington. "The great thing about Alcoa is that they aren't stopping at giving financial support. One of the components of the program is for Alcoans to serve as volunteer mentors and participants in our efforts to work with local school districts to supplement what teachers are doing in their classrooms. We are absolutely delighted that the Alcoa Foundation has made such a significant step in working with us to impact education in our community."

STEM initiatives are designed to increase the number of grade-school students, especially females, minorities and the underrepresented, in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Alcoa-Penn State New Kensington initiative is designed to bring together industry, higher education, and K-12 representatives to develop a coordinated and consistent student pipeline across area school districts.

"This program enables Alcoa Technical Center to grow its core competency and at the same time enable community growth," said Mohammad Zaidi, executive vice president and chief technical officer at Alcoa. "We're pleased to partner with Penn State New Kensington on this exciting initiative."

The new program will be implemented first in local school districts. Penn State students and faculty will provide on- and off-campus program support and serve as a cadre of instructors for students and a source of professional development tutors for teachers.

Alcoa Foundation's investment in a regional approach to enhancing STEM skills builds on projects already in existence at Penn State New Kensington, such as the FIRSTE (Females Interested in Reaching for Science, Technology and Engineering) and Kids in College programs. FIRSTE is a two-day summer program that targets potential college-bound ninth-through-11th grade girls who are considering a career in science, technology or engineering. Kids in College is a summer program that offers a variety of academic activities for students in elementary and secondary schools.

"To be successful, this effort requires corporate partners, Penn State faculty and students, school district administrators and teachers, and multiple funding sources," said Snider. "With Alcoa's standing in the community, contacts, insights and reputation for a commitment to build this region, this is an opportunity to interact in meaningful ways with our teachers, businesses and young enthusiastic and talented students."

Community service has been the cornerstone of Alcoa Foundation's mission for more than 50 years. Company employees from around the globe heed the call to service and devote their time and talents on a regular basis to serving their individual communities, working with local nonprofit or non-governmental organizations.

The investment in Penn State New Kensington coincides with Alcoa's annual "Worldwide Month of Service." During October, Alcoa volunteers around the globe will focus on community service and strive to make a real and lasting impact on the quality of life in their communities worldwide. Last year, 21,975 Alcoa employees completed 699 service events. This year, Alcoa Foundation is forecasting that a record one third of all "Alcoans" will take part in more than 600 community events planned for October.  Alcoa Foundation was founded in 1952 to actively invest in the quality of life in Alcoa communities worldwide.

Last year, the foundation made 848 investments totaling $28 million to 1,111 organizations in more than 36 countries. The foundation focuses on conservation and sustainability; global education and workplace skills; business and community partnerships; and safe and healthy children and families. With challenging sustainability issues facing the world today -- climate change, energy, water management, accelerated growth and development in emerging countries -- the Alcoa Foundation has created a global program that will make a significant contribution to improving knowledge and developing leaders in the field of conservation and sustainability.

Alcoa and Penn State New Kensington have a long history of collaboration. In 1963, the company donated land to Penn State, and three years later, the present Upper Burrell campus opened on the 35-acre parcel. Since then, Alcoa and Penn State have worked together on numerous initiatives, such as scholarships, the virtual nature trail, "green chemistry" and service projects that have benefitted the campus and the community. In July, Alcoa was the recipient of the campus inaugural "Corporate Partner of the Year" award.

"Alcoa is more than a corporate partner, Alcoa is our neighbor, and the people there believe in working together for success of the community," said Snider. "Alcoa was responsible for providing a home for the campus, and has a long history of working with us and others to make our homes and communities, great places to live, work and learn."