January 13, 2026

PEEC Receives $9,000 Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation for “PEEC Into the Classroom” Environmental Education Program

Scranton, PA- Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) has received a $9,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to bring its standards-aligned environmental education program, “PEEC Into the Classroom,” to students across Lackawanna County, PA. This 2025 funding builds on a 2022 Robert H. Spitz Foundation grant, which helped PEEC deliver virtual and hybrid environmental education programs to 2,629 students in northeast Pennsylvania during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PEEC Into the Classroom combines in-school programming with immersive day and overnight field trips to PEEC’s campus within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, giving students hands-on opportunities to explore local ecosystems, learn about environmental issues, and develop lifelong stewardship values. Participating students will gain meaningful connections to nature, increase their knowledge of local ecosystems, and experience the benefits of outdoor education.

Schools and educators interested in bringing PEEC into their classrooms are encouraged to contact PEEC for more information. PEEC is grateful for the support of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, which reduces the financial barriers for schools to participate and ensures that all Lackawanna County students have access to transformative environmental learning experiences that inspire positive action for the environment and their communities.

Pictured from left to right:
Laura Ducceschi (CEO & President), Cathy Fitzpatrick (Director of Grants & Scholarships), Amber Ameen (PEEC Development Manager), and Ellen Burkey (Board of Governors, Chair)

About the Organization:

As a 501c3, non-profit organization, PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experiences in a national park. PEEC is one of the largest residential environmental education centers in the US and, for over 50 years, has cultivated a love of nature in tens of thousands of visitors each year, including school groups, informal learning groups, families, and the general public. Through experiential learning in the classroom and out in the field on PEEC’s environmental education campus, PEEC provides visitors with immersive opportunities to discover the flora, fauna, high-quality water, and unique landscapes of the Delaware River watershed. PEEC’s message of environmental stewardship is accessible to all visitors regardless of cultural background or socio-economic status.

About the Scranton Area Community Foundation:

Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation since 2016. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Formed in 2015 through the estate of Mr. Spitz, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation supports an array of projects and programs that improve the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has provided over $6 million in funding to the community. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at https://safdn.org/foundation/robert-spitz-foundation/.