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HARRISBURG , Pa., Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell said today that a nearly $3 million state investment in the Moore College of Art and Design - the nation's only women's art and design college - will help create new opportunities for women who are studying to pursue careers in art education, design arts, photography and illustration.

"More than 150 years ago, Moore College opened its doors to provide women with an opportunity to pursue careers in the textile industry that was emerging in Philadelphia at the time," said Governor Rendell. "Today, it offers more than 10 degree programs in art and design fields. The investment we're announcing today will help create more opportunities for more women to pursue careers in the art industry."

The Governor added that the school's renovation project will also bring 34 new jobs, millions in economic development activity, and more attractions to strengthen the region's reputation as a cultural destination.

"Moore College plays an important role along the Ben Franklin Parkway cultural corridor, helping to attract more than 7,000 people annually to the region. Those visitors, along with the school's student population, mean millions in revenue for the local economy.

"With state support, this renovation project will not only increase the number of students able to pursue an education at Moore, it will help create more than 30 new jobs and increase the demand for products and services in the area. It's the same approach we've used across the state over the last four years - strategically investing our resources to create new opportunities for our residents and revitalize our communities."

The $2,925,000 grant the Governor announced today will support Moore College's $6.3 million renovation and expansion project. Plans call for upgrades to Sarah Peter Hall ; a new roof for, and audio/visual and lighting upgrades, to the Stewart Auditorium and Galleries; and heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements throughout the campus.

The college expects an additional 120 students will be able to enroll each year as a result of the expansion project. With the increased demand for new services, along with nearly $1 million in new wages and salaries associated with the 34 new jobs, Moore estimates that annual spending from the college's expanded operations will reach $3.5 million for the Philadelphia area, with up to another $600,000 in indirect spending.

The state's investment is being provided through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a vital part of Governor Rendell's aggressive $2.8 billion economic stimulus package. The program is administered by the Office of the Budget, and provides capital funding for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects.

Founded by Sarah Peter as the Philadelphia School of Design for Women in 1848, Moore College's mission was, and continues to be, educating women for careers and financial independence. In addition to the college's 10 undergraduate programs, Moore offers educational and cultural opportunities to more than 1,500 boys and girls through the Young Artists Workshop, and to more than 350 adults pursuing professional and personal development through continuing education courses.

Moore's Art Shop, Sculpture Park and sidewalk cafe are popular attractions for Philadelphia residents and visitors, many of whom are drawn to the Moore Galleries to enjoy its internationally known contemporary art exhibitions.