The Early Childhood Education Alliance \(ECEA\) was established in August of 2006 as an initiative of the Greater Alliance Foundation and is celebrating its fifth year. ECEA\'s main mission is to support, promote, and create dynamic learning environments for children, which will serve and benefit families, businesses, and community partners.
After gaining the support of Superintendent Steve Stohla of Alliance Public Schools and President Richard Giese of the University of Mount Union, the trustees made a substantial financial investment in early childhood education and set the foundation for the Early Childhood Education Alliance, Inc. The Greater Alliance Foundation continues to invest in young children and the Early Childhood Education Inc. This strong partnership has laid the groundwork so that the children and families of Alliance can thrive.
Named in honor of Alliance OB-Gyn physician, Dr. Robert White, the Foundation guaranteed start-up school funding with a $150,000 pledge. It continues financial support for scholarships and operations. A two-year program, it allows persons who must work and/or care for children, to attend evening and weekend classes, and assures full employment with a wage that will help them support their families.
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The Foundation initiated the YMCA Learn-to-Swim project and provided start-up funding for the first year. As a result hundreds of Alliance, Marlington, Sebring, West Branch, and Regina Coeli second graders are provided free swimming lessons. The YMCA continues to be committed to reducing the risk of drowning factors for youth in our community.
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A Foundation subcommittee established in 2002 enables adults to advance through job training. Vocational, technical, and apprenticeship programs are a means of self-improvement. Along with funding tuition, applicants are assisted with book expenses and certification testing. Many applicants are challenged with transportation issues, so local training is critical. Funding is made possible by private gifts from the community and the Foundation.
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