Fred Rogers Prod. Receives $100K Grant from Citizens for Workforce & Community Initiatives

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.

The Writers’ Neighborhood is a professional development and mentoring program that provides training and support to new and emerging writers as they build and sustain freelance careers in children’s media. Fellows at the beginning of their writing careers are selected to participate in a nine-week program that helps hone their skills and broaden their experience to produce content for diverse audiences. Brandea Turner is Program Director for the Writers’ Neighborhood.

Alma’s Way is an animated PBS KIDS series for children ages 4-6 that stars six-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.

The series is created by Sonia Manzano (“Maria” on Sesame Street) and produced by Fred Rogers Productions in association with Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why). Ellen Doherty and Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer and co executive producer. Co-executive producers are Luis Lopez and Juan Lopez. Supervising producer for Fred Rogers Productions is Olubunmi Mia Olufemi.

“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.”

Citizens is committed to fostering strong communities and supporting Pittsburgh’s vibrant arts and culture scene. From iconic institutions to neighborhood theaters, the bank’s support of cultural organizations reflects its belief in the power of the arts to drive regional economic vitality, foster community pride, and make Pittsburgh a destination for creativity and innovation. Since 2022, Citizens has supported Pittsburgh arts organizations including sponsorship of the Andy Warhol Museum’s Warhol Academy and Sound Series, City of Pittsburgh Summer Concert Series, August Wilson Center’s Community Days, and the Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

Learn more at fredrogers.org.