SPRINGFIELD – On the eve of American Graduate Day on America’s Public Television stations, WGBY is very pleased to announce that the Perles Family Foundation has granted the station a gift of $300,000 over the next three years to be used for a range of educational work in the local community, including the station’s deep involvement with the American Graduate program.

Education has been core to the WGBY mission since its inception almost 45 years ago.

This funding will build WGBY’s capacity to highlight stories of local people who are making a difference on air and online, enable the station to convene local partners in educational conversations, and provide educational opportunities for teachers, students and families utilizing PBS resources.

American Graduate: Let’s Make it Happen is public media’s long-term commitment to supporting community-based solutions to the dropout crisis.  Supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), more than 80 public radio and television stations have joined forces with over 1,000 partners and at-risk schools across 30 states. 

“Claudia and Steven Perles’ commitment to our community is clearly demonstrated by their support of the powerful partnerships between WGBY, educators, families and students,” WGBY General Manager Russell J. Peotter said. “It is particularly appropriate to announce their generosity around American Graduate Day when viewers across the country have a chance to witness some of the powerful work taking place right here in our region.”