The Toledo Opera has received $47,500 from Board of Trustees of the Stranaham Supporting Organization of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

The award will be used to increase participation in Toledo Opera’s education programs “An Opera Is a Story,” “Opera on Wheels,” and “Student Night at the Opera.” Per a press statement, the funding will allow the company to reach out to more than 20,000 students across 60 schools throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

“For almost the entirety of our existence, Toledo Opera has invested resources each year in educating the next generation of opera talent and fans, contributing to Toledo’s cultural growth and sophistication,” said Suzanne Rorick, Toledo Opera Executive Director, in an official press statement issued by the company. “The future of opera in America goes beyond stages and performances. To survive, companies like ours need to connect with young audiences where they are, inspiring passion in their own stories.”

Toledo Opera also revealed that funding would aid its “Opera Outdoors” initiative.