Charlotte’s arts education just got a boost.
PNC Bank has donated more than half a million dollars to fund early arts and science education in the Bethlehem Center’s Head Start programs.
Executive Director of the Bethlehem Center, William McDonald, says that this funding will enrich the program, which serves children whose families meet federal poverty guidelines.
“In our typical curriculum they may have a specific limited amount of time each week that is dedicated to science or arts, much like a regular classroom,” McDonald says. “But under this program we are going to be able to weave and infuse arts and sciences into every component of their day.”
The courses will be led by the Community School of the Arts and Discovery Place.
The Bethlehem Center runs eight Head Start programs in the Charlotte area that serve more than 800 kids.