The Algonquin Arts Theatre, on Main Street, recently was awarded a $15,000 grant by the PNC Foundation, according to the theatre.

The grant money will help provide educational and cultural opportunities to more than 200 Asbury Park, Neptune and Howell Head Start students and their teachers, Algonquin officials said.

The Algonquin Arts-Head Start partnership uniquely combines live performances at the theatre in Manasquan with pre-performance workshops using classic children’s books, on which the live performances are based, the theatre explained.

The program culminates with all Head Start children receiving copies of the four children’s books they will have studied, the Algonquin noted.

The program was successfully initiated in 2007 in Asbury Park and expanded to include the Neptune Head Start Center in 2008, according to the theatre. This year, the program was implemented at the Howell center, as well.

Algonquin Arts hopes to continue to grow the program by adding one center per year until all Monmouth County Head Start students are involved, it said.

PNC has generously supported the program since its inception and also has provided further support for expansion, the Algonquin said.

The PNC Foundation recognizes that learning in a child’s early years is essential for their long-term success, according to a press release.

With principal funding provided by The PNC Financial Services Group, the PNC Foundation provides grants for PNC Grow Up Great and PNC Crezca con Exito, a bilingual, corporate-based school readiness program, the release stated.

Through a 10-year, $100 million investment — with a focus on under-served children — PNC provides the leadership, advocacy, funding, tools and volunteers to help educate parents, caregivers and communities about how to prepare young children for school and life, according to the press release.

Research shows that equal access to quality preschool programs can result in long-term benefits for the children, society, workforce and economy, the release stated.

The Head Start program is one of many cultural opportunities offered by Algonquin Arts, theatre officials said.

Every academic year, the Algonquin Arts Education Series turns the 450-seat theatre into a shared interactive auditorium for area schools.

In-theatre programs meet core curriculum standards, provide lessons of tolerance and personal health, and introduce physically challenged children to the wonders of music and dance.
For more information about the Algonquin Arts Theatre or for the 2009/2010 events scheduled, call the box office at 732-528-9211 or visit www.algonquinarts.org.