The PPL Foundation recently awarded $500,000 in funding to support 17 nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives and well-being of individuals throughout central and eastern Pennsylvania.

Locally, a grant was awarded to Pocono Mountains United Way in Stroudsburg received $25,000 for Generation NEXT, a program that ensures first-generation and underserved students receive the support they need to access higher education.

The foundation’s latest investments support programs such as an academy to nurture young entrepreneurs; programs and services that remove barriers to safe and stable housing; a community-wide coalition preparing students for employment after high school; and an urban garden initiative that is transforming abandoned city lots into thriving community gardens.

“There are tremendous organizations and people working to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for those who might not otherwise have them,” said Ryan Hill, president of the PPL Foundation. “The PPL Foundation is pleased to provide support that helps them make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives.”