FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Crocker Receives $225,000 Grant
from GenCorp Foundation

School Programs & Teacher Services
Will Expand to Reach 75,000+

April 21, 2005 – Sacramento, Calif. – The Crocker Art Museum has received a $225,000 grant from the GenCorp Foundation to fund the Museum’s School Programs & Teacher Services. The grant is payable over three years and will enable the Museum to increase its programming and services available to students and teachers both onsite and offsite, reaching more than 75,000 children each year.

As the largest corporate gift to the Crocker’s School Programs, the GenCorp Foundation grant will fund programs such as: online teaching and learning tools and resources; the Art Ark, the Museum’s mobile art education center; curriculum-based lesson and tour materials; and scholarships for schools to participate in Museum programs free of charge.

“By making a grant to our School Programs & Teacher Services, GenCorp Foundation recognizes that the Museum is first and foremost an educational institution,” said Director Lial Jones. “Although we offer programs for all ages and strive for lifelong learning, we realize that early exposure and education in the arts is vital to creating an appreciation and enthusiasm for the arts in adults. GenCorp Foundation’s investment will have a very long-lasting impact on the community.”

The GenCorp Foundation is committed to fostering education in the communities where its employees live work and volunteer. GenCorp, the parent company of Aerojet, Aerojet Fine Chemicals and GenCorp Real Estate, has been headquartered in Sacramento since 1999.

”While the GenCorp Foundation remains committed to math and science education, we recognize the link between art appreciation and science and math excellence. We are pleased to partner with the Crocker to expand its outreach to children and teachers in our community,” said Juanita Garcia, director of the GenCorp Foundation.

GenCorp Foundation’s grant will extend the Museum’s reach to students and teachers throughout Sacramento’s six-county region. “With budget cuts and reduced field trips, there is an increased demand for curriculum, online teaching resources and other programs that bring art into the classroom,” said Natalie Nelson, School Programs and Teacher Services Coordinator for the Crocker. “This grant will really help us respond to the changing needs of our teachers and schools.”

The grant will also provide scholarships to Title I schools that cannot otherwise afford to host the Art Ark. In addition, the grant allows the Museum to supply every student participating in any Museum program (onsite tours, classroom outreach or the Art Ark) with a Free Family Pass that admits the student’s entire family to the Crocker for free.

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The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of Californian, European and Asian artworks. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday; Thursday until 9 p.m. For more information on exhibits and events call (916) 264-5423 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

About GenCorp Foundation
The GenCorp Foundation provides charitable funding in GenCorp communities across the United States . GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate business segment that includes activities related to the development, sale and leasing of the Company’s real estate assets. The GenCorp Foundation contributes $1 million annually to GenCorp communities and is a proud supporter of educational, cultural and community endeavors. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.GenCorp.com.

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Media Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti
Media: (916) 264-1963
Mobile : (916) 213-9402
Public: (916) 264-5423
216 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.crockerartmuseum.org

GenCorp Foundation Contact: Juanita Garcia
(916) 355-3600
www.gencorp.com