Fred Rogers Productions (FRP) has received funding to advance its workforce development and community engagement programs from Citizens. The $100,000 grant will support the Fred Rogers Productions Writers’ Neighborhood, the children’s media organization’s fellowship program for emerging writers as well as its community engagement events inspired by Alma’s Way, the Emmy®- nominated animated series created by Sonia Manzano and produced by FRP for PBS KIDS.
The Fred Rogers Productions Writers’ Neighborhood is a fellowship program that aims to help emerging writers build and sustain careers in children’s media. Now in its third year, the mentorship program helps build the pipeline of creatives in children’s programming by connecting fellows with industry professionals and enabling them to learn and network with experienced writers, story editors, head writers, and producers.
Alma’s Way is an engaging, animated PBS KIDS series for children ages 4 to 6 that stars 6- year-old Alma Rivera, a proud and confident Puerto Rican girl, who lives in the Bronx with her family and a diverse group of friends and neighbors. Citizens’ funding will support Fred Rogers Productions’ community engagement initiatives to amplify Alma’s Way’s positive message to young audiences. Last fall, Citizens helped fund an interactive, accessible screening event for children and families at the American Museum of Natural History in New York that was inspired by Alma’s on-screen visit to the museum. Citizens will support a similar event in Pittsburgh later this year.
“We are so thrilled to extend our collaboration with Citizens to help further our initiatives for Alma’s Way events and our Writers’ Neighborhood program,” said Paul Siefken, president & CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. “Both Fred Rogers Productions and Citizens are dedicated to supporting the arts and media here in Pittsburgh, and their support will make it possible for us to serve many more children, families, and talented professionals.”
"At Citizens, we understand the importance of supporting educational and cultural initiatives that enrich our communities," said Mark Rendulic, Citizens Pittsburgh Market President. "Fred Rogers Productions is a source of pride for Pittsburgh and has been a cornerstone in fostering creativity and learning for generations. We’re thrilled to support their efforts to build the pipeline of skilled talent that fuels our creative economy and help ensure that their children’s stories continue to inspire and educate.”