Bizzarro announces nearly $16,000 grant for students
Program at Presque Isle will introduce up to 60 youth to fly fishing
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro September 12, 2025 | 2:58 PM
ERIE, Sept. 12 – A program introducing dozens of students to fly fishing through multiple field trips and summer camps has received state funding, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced.
“Fly fishing involves understanding the world around us, from being able to identify the insects, baitfish and other prey that fish need to survive, to reading the water and predicting the eating habits and life cycles of insects and fish,” said Bizzarro, who represents portions of Fairview and Millcreek townships. “Introducing students to fly fishing encourages young people to engage in the sciences, opening another avenue to explore and observe. In fly fishing, students can learn about topics as varied as Presque Isle’s habitat to ethics and conservation.”
The state awarded a $15,948.50 grant to the nonprofit Regional Consortium at Presque Isle for its Introducing Students to Fly Fishing program. The program will support up to 60 students in middle or high school, providing them with up to six fly-fishing field trips during the school year and up to four fly-fishing experiences at two summer camps. The program will include an introduction to tying artificial lures, fishing techniques and lessons.
This grant was part of the nearly $200,000 invested statewide in R3 Education Grants announced this week. R3 Education Grants, or Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Education Grants, are used to increase learning for current, past and future anglers and boaters. R3 Education Grants can total up to $25,000 and require a minimum 25% match.
The grant continues Bizzarro’s efforts to secure state investments in local projects, including $92 million during the 2023-24 legislative session.