WITF’s Explore in the Classroom program is designed for students in grades kindergarten through third in school districts that experience persistent, and often significant opportunity gaps. Explore in the Classroom concentrates on integrating and enhancing the existing instructional programs within districts, delivering high-quality STEM and literacy content. WITF’s Explore in the Classroom program provides teachers collaborative opportunities with the dynamic and experienced WITF Education Team. Lessons are aligned with PA-Core standards and/or Pennsylvania STEELS standards. Exploration topics may include (a) robotics, (b) coding, (c) engineering design, (d) literacy, (e) environmental science, and (f) career exploration. Classroom teachers receive the lessons in advance and are invited to be a collaborative partner during the lesson to enhance current classroom objectives and outcomes. Visits include a read-aloud, sparking curiosity and igniting interest in the topic to be explored. All students receive a copy of the read-aloud book to take home, reinforcing classroom skills and fostering a home- school partnership. And adding to the fun and excitement, students and teachers also get to meet a costume character for hugs, high fives, and photo memories!

WITF has been supporting students and amazing educators through our Explore in the Classroom program since 2016. The WITF Education Team has engaged with over 8,300 students across Central Pennsylvania through our Explore in the Classroom program! We are thrilled to share the Explore in the Classroom program has distributed over 29,000 books, providing students and teachers with new books to build their home and classroom libraries. Because WITF has provided consistent programming for several districts over the years, meaningful partnerships with educators and local school districts have flourished.

WITF Education is pleased to partner with the following school districts in our region:

• York City School District (since 2016)
• Harrisburg School District (since 2017)
• School District of Lancaster (since 2021)
• Steelton-Highspire School District (since 2023)
• Central Dauphin School District (since 2023)

Interested in learning more about the program and if your school/district qualifies?

Funding for this valuable program is made possible through the Pennsylvania Education Income Tax Credit Program (EITC) and our generous corporate sponsors.

And Special Thanks…

…to these generous businesses sponsoring WITF’s Explore in the Classroom program in the 2024 – 2025 year. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Impact Level: $20,000+

Impact Level: $10,000-$19,999

Additional EITC support provided by: