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Grants from the Gladys and Thomas “T.B.” Stewart Community Education Fund held at East Texas Communities Foundation in Tyler have been awarded to the Literacy Council of Tyler and East Texas Youth Orchestra.

The East Texas Youth Orchestra Inc. received funds to assist students participating in the upcoming season to attend instrument-specific and full orchestra clinics. The clinics will prepare the performers for two side-by-side concerts with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra featuring the entirety of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony next spring.

“We are pleased to receive this grant from ETCF and the support it will provide our students,” said Jill Hardin, executive director of East Texas Youth Orchestra. “We have around 100 musicians involved in ETYO. Funding like this grant will have far-reaching impact on music programs as these students further their musical careers past high school.”

A grant to the Literacy Council of Tyler goes to support its CORE Programs consisting of Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and GED prep. “Our CORE Programs provide the educational foundation to prepare students for our Transition Programs,” said Nancy Crawford executive director of the Literacy Council of Tyler. “Data shows that without our College Prep program, only 27% of students with GEDs successfully complete a college semester, and only 4% complete a degree. CORE is the foundation to their success.” The Literacy Council of Tyler anticipates it will serve 2,000 students this year. Crawford went on to add, “Without support from local funders like the Stewart Grant and ETCF, we would not be able to serve these individuals. It is critical to our mission.”