Pittsburgh-based Fred Rogers Productions (FRP) has announced a grant of $1.3 million from PNC Foundation to support the development of Alma’s Way, a children’s education program premiering this month on public television.

Produced in association with PBS Kids, Alma’s Way is an animated series for children ages 4 to 6 that focuses on critical thinking, responsible decision making, and self-awareness. The program was created by Sonia Manzano, the writer and actor who portrayed the character of Maria on public television’s Sesame Street for 44 years. The grant will support engagement activities related to Alma’s Way and provide ongoing support for FRP’s Be My Neighbor Days, the community outreach component of the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood series—another collaboration with PBS Kids—which first aired in 2012.

“When Fred Rogers Productions shared the Alma’s Way concept with us, we knew we wanted to play a role in bringing this important learning opportunity to young children,” said PNC Foundation president Sally McCrady. “Investing in early education is a powerful way to create a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”

(Photo credit: Wikimedia/fourandsixty)