The Alcoa Foundation joins 12 other corporations and foundations, MU and the School District of Lancaster as members of the LPP, which was founded in 1988. 

The world’s leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets.  Stephen K. Fries, manager of human resources, development and communications for Alcoa Mill Products,  presented the check to Jay Friedberg, chairperson of the LPP’s executive committee and senior vice president/manager for special assets management at Wachovia Bank.   

Dr. Francine G. McNairy, president of Millersville University, who was on hand for the presentation, said that Millersville and members of the partnership are very appreciative of the monetary support from the Alcoa Foundation, as well as having the Foundation as a new corporate member of the program.  “We are pleased to add yet another partner to support an organization that continues to provide outstanding educational opportunities for students from the community.”  

Under the terms of the LPP, qualifying African-American and Latino high school students are identified in the eighth grade and are enrolled in the ninth grade. They take college preparatory classes, and if they graduate with a 2.25 or higher GPA, receive admission to MU. LPP partners make financial contributions to the program, mentor students, and if possible, provide summer employment and internships, and skill development workshops. And MU Lancaster Partnership staff works with the School District of Lancaster to offer year-long enrichment activities and tutoring. 

Over the course of the LPP’s 16 years, the number of African-American and Latino students from Lancaster who attend college has risen dramatically, as has the number of students completing high school. More specifically, in the past ten years, 703 students have completed the high school portion of the program, and 73 percent of them have gone on to higher education. In all, approximately 6,000 students have been positively affected by the LPP. 

In addition to the Alcoa Foundation, other corporate or foundation partners in the LPP include the William Randolph Hearst Foundations; Armstrong World Industries; Engle, Hambright & Davies; High Industries; Lancaster Newspapers, Inc. (Steinman Foundations); Pepperidge Farm (Campbell Soup Foundation); Pepsi Cola; R.R. Donnelley & Sons; Sterling Financial Corporation; Tyco Electronics Foundation; Y&S Candies (Hershey Foods, Inc.); and Wachovia Bank. 

The Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in the quality of life in Alcoa communities worldwide. With more than $371 million invested since its inception in 1952, the  foundation has positioned itself as a source of positive community change and enhancement. Out of that legacy has emerged a set of strengths and competencies that reflect community aspirations and needs around the world.

The foundation is now combining its legacy and strengths with the global reach and values of Alcoa to produce new levels of impact. Areas of excellence guide its global and local grant making and marshal the expertise and energies of Alcoa and the Alcoa Foundation together.

In 2003, the foundation made $15 million in grants around the world. Communities where Alcoa has a presence are the primary focus of its grant making programs. Through disaster relief grants and employee engagement initiatives like ACTION and Bravo!,  additional resources are made available to communities. The foundation also supports a range of national, international and policy organizations that underscore its key interests and areas of excellence.