Core Insights - PNC Foundation awarded a $765,000 grant to NCFL to pilot the Let's Learn Together Outside program in select markets over the next three years [1][3][5] - The program aims to enhance early literacy and nature-based play for children aged 3 to 5 [3][5][6] - Initial programming launched in Louisville, KY, and Birmingham and Huntsville, AL, with plans for Austin, TX, in 2026 [4][6] Funding and Support - The PNC Foundation's philanthropic initiative, PNC Grow Up Great, focuses on early childhood education and has invested $500 million since its inception in 2004 [8] - NCFL has over 35 years of experience in providing educational solutions to eradicate poverty through family learning [9][10] Program Details - Let's Learn Together Outside is a four-week program designed to take place in natural environments, promoting family engagement [3][5] - The program provides resources for parenting adults to ensure children are kindergarten-ready while fostering connections to nature [5][6][7] Expected Outcomes - Outdoor learning is linked to improved problem-solving skills, memory retention, social skills, and lower obesity rates among children [5][6] - The initiative aims to create multigenerational learning experiences that benefit the entire family [7]

So I have just returned from Georgia trekking in the mountains with the Caucasian mountains between Georgia and Russia and just arrived back this morning. So if I sound a little incoherent at times please uh forgive me but um it was a beautiful experience as it always is in the mountains and I feel refreshed and rejuvenated. My mind is clear all of that.Yes. But I'm also very happy to be here today to be among all of you and uh to share the little bit that we have uh learned and observed over the years. As ...