Fred Rogers Productions Receives $100K Grant from Citizens to  Support Workforce and 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.

Alma’s Way is an engaging, animated PBS KIDS series for children ages 4 to 6 that stars 6-

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.

“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.”

Alma’s Way 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.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.

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.