Community Education Center Receives Support from Community Foundation STEM Education Fund

The STEM Education Fund administered by the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) recently awarded a $50,000 grant to the Community Education Center of Elk and Cameron Counties (CEC). The funds will be used to support the CEC’s on-going STEM programming for middle school students. Since the program launched in 2022, approximately 10,000 engagements with students has been made possible through summer camps, afterschool programs, and in-school activities. In 2025, the CEC began building out Makerspaces at their Erie Avenue location. Current learning studios include a podcasting/media lab, 3D printing, laser engraving, coding, robotics/electronics, and sewing and textile fabrication. A cooking studio was recently completed where summer cooking camps will be conducted for middle school students with special needs. There are currently 20 students participating in an afterschool program at the Makerspaces. Students are creating their own board games while learning critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork through design, proto-typing, and fabrication of all game pieces. In addition to offering programs at the Makerspace, the CEC also delivers afterschool programs at locations throughout Elk and Cameron Counties including libraries, community centers, recreation centers, and the Boys & Girls Club.

For 35 years, the CEC has been providing access to continuing education for the residents, students, and employers in Elk and Cameron Counties. For more information about the CEC’s STEM programs and other services, visit www.communityedcenter.com.

The Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies is the parent company of the Elk County Community Foundation and the McKean County Community Foundation.

Funds established by charitable donors support our communities through the awarding of grants and scholarships. For more information on how you can help support important community programs please contact the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125 or visit www.elkcountyfoundation.org.

#

Photo attached: Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of ECCF (left), presents check to Kate Brock, Executive Director of the CEC (right).