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America 250 PA outlines statewide programs and seeks more infrastructure support for 2026
Summary
Executive Director Cassandra Coleman told the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee that America 2 50 PA has created statewide programs — including bells, trees, student outreach and grants — and is asking for continued budget support as it scales toward 2026.
Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America 2 50 PA, told the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee on a recent informational meeting that the commission is running statewide programs to engage every Pennsylvania county ahead of the 2026 semi‑quincentennial.
Coleman said America 2 50 PA has organized initiatives around four pillars — "educate, preserve, innovate, and celebrate" — and described projects meant to reach urban and rural communities alike. "Pennsylvania truly has it all," she said, summarizing the programmatic sweep that ranges from arts installations to classroom visits.
Why it matters: Coleman said the commission wants the celebration to produce lasting local benefit — from tourism to civic education — and emphasized the need for budget and staffing to manage demand as the anniversary approaches. She described a mix of public and private funding already committed and cited specific programs that will carry work into 2026.
Key programs and figures Coleman cited include: the Bells Across PA project (fiberglass bells in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties); a Liberty Tree planting in each county; the Road to 2026 public‑health/park initiative presented by Independence Blue Cross, Highmark and Capital Blue Cross; the Keystone Classroom initiative (KCI) that brings history to pre‑K through fourth grade classrooms; and a Direct Effect Innovation Challenge that engages college students in marketing campaigns. Coleman said KCI has reached more than 30,000 Pennsylvania students and was on track to reach 50,000 by the end of the year.
Coleman also gave grant and budget details: America 2 50 PA has awarded nearly $40,000 in mini‑grants to local projects; the commission awarded $490,000 in a first round of semi‑quincentennial grants and announced a second round of about $510,000; and the commission plans $250,000 in scholarships for Pennsylvania seniors who remain in‑state for college in 2026. Coleman said the governor’s proposed 2026 budget included a $64,000,000 investment that would provide additional support for commission work.
Coleman described rapid organizational growth: the commission staff had expanded from four to eight employees in recent years to meet demand and the commission was coordinating volunteer and partner networks in all 67 counties. She asked legislators to help with communications and outreach, noting the commission’s limited staff and the coming surge of inquiries in early 2026.
The hearing included follow‑up questions about marketing, local partnerships and how the commission will ensure inclusion of diverse local stories. Coleman said the commission has two advisory groups — one to bring diverse voices and another with a representative from every county — and that more than 414 municipalities and nearly 300 nonprofits across over 50 counties had signed on as partners.
Ending: Coleman closed by asking for continued partnership from the General Assembly and the governor’s office to build a durable legacy from the semi‑quincentennial activities.
