Local bank invests in public education

DAYTON, Ohio - A local bank had made a big investment in education. The PNC Foundation announced plans March 17, 2010 to fund early childhood education programs in Dayton.  Officials with PNC banks said the foundation would donate $336,000 to help little kids get ready for school.

The program is called Passport to Kindergarten.

The announcement was made at a PNC sponsored kindergarten readiness summit for educators held at Sinclair Community college.

The PNC foundation supported school readiness through their national program called "Grow up Great". It was a signature 10-year, $100-million bilingual program in early childhood education.

Staff said the latest announcement was the first investment in preschool education in the Dayton area.

"We're going to train teachers and early childcare providers in terms of things they need to do to prepare kids for kindergarten. We will also make that information available for parents and caregivers, in terms of what they need to know about that preparedness," said Jim Hoehn, the regional president of PNC Bank in Dayton.

Kurt Stanic, the Superintendant of Dayton Public Schools said they were very appreciative of the new partnership.

"The earlier the better. Many of our students start school behind, and this is an effort to address that need," said Stanic.

PNC bank was also encouraging it's employees to get involved and be mentors. They would be giving 40 hours of paid work time to employees who volunteered their time for the early childhood education efforts.