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Frankford’s Allen M. Stearne Elementary Receives Picasso Project Grant

The Picasso Project, a Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) mini-grant program that brings arts education to schools that have very limited arts instruction, proudly awarded more than $60,000 in grants to 14 Philadelphia schools.

Stearne elementary

Pictured are Dick Fernandez, Kathy O’Connell, Rob Connaire, Sonya Smith, Javen Murray, Ryan Smith, Darlene Vaughn, and Councilman David Oh at the Picasso Project grant presentation to Stearne Elementary School.

Schools receiving mini-grants ranging from $2,250 to $4,500 include: Bache-Martin Elementary, Bodine High School, William Cramp Elementary, Stephen Girard Elementary, Andrew Jackson Elementary, Fitler Academics Plus, Alexander McClure Elementary, Thomas Mifflin Elementary, George Nebinger Elementary, Samuel Powel Elementary, James Rhoads Elementary, Allen Stearne Elementary, Swenson Arts & Technology High School, and Vare-Washington Elementary.

“Sadly, because of a lack of funding, students don’t get nearly the exposure to arts projects they need to tap their potential,” said Gretchen Elise Walker, Director of Arts Education for the Picasso Project.  “Our grant helps, but we need better state education funding to solve this dilemma for the long term.”

A 2013 online survey from Picasso Project grant winners found overall school climate in 98% of schools improved.  Likewise, 77% said their Picasso Project grant had a positive or extremely positive impact on their school’s ability to gain additional arts resources.

The Picasso Project, founded by PCCY (Public Citizens for Children and Youth) in 2002, supports innovative arts projects through mini-grants at Philadelphia public schools and advocates for long-term increases in arts education for students.  Since its inception, the Picasso Project has provided a total of $462,000 to fund 121 arts projects benefitting over 30,000 students in Philadelphia schools. 

Photo credit – Anthony Hopkins-PCCY