ST. MARYS — The Elk County Community Foundation recently presented checks to the Johnsonburg, Ridgway and St. Marys school districts from the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donations received from various companies.
Jake Meyer, president of the foundation, and Gennaro Aiello, vice president, presented the checks to school representatives. This year’s donors were Snyder Brothers, Farmers National Bank, Highmark, Susquehanna Wire Rope & Rigging and Advantage Sales Co. The dollars provide funding for local school districts for state pre-approved innovative educational programs.
A total of nearly $37,000 was distributed to the area school districts.
Johnsonburg district will be using its grant to purchase additional LCD projectors for the elementary school and to upgrade some computer printers and laptops that will be use with their smart boards.
The Ridgway Area School District intends to develop an Innovation Lab (IL) at the elementary school. Instruction within the Innovation Lab will promote personalized and project-based learning opportunities that embed problem solving, analysis and critical thinking. Ridgway had received additional funding, as two companies designated the district for their donations.
Meanwhile, the St. Marys Area School District will use its grant to support ongoing upgrades in its Career Technology Education (CTE) program with specific attention to the drafting curriculum.
Any entity authorized to conduct business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and subject to certain taxes is eligible to apply to be involved with the EITC program. Tax credits are limited to 75 percent of the business’ contribution with a maximum of $750,000 annually. If a business agrees to make the same contribution for two consecutive years, it may receive a tax credit equal to 90 percent of its contribution.
Interested participants must submit a brief application to the DCED. The application can be found at the website www.inventpa.com.
As an approved EITC partner, the Community Foundation receives donations from qualified businesses to provide educational programing within the public K-12 schools. As per the state agreement, 80 percent of the donations that come to the foundation are used for pre-approved program for K-12 public school students. Donations are granted to all three districts in the county but businesses can designate a particular school district if they choose. The Community Foundation used 15 percent of the dollars for additional local community grants and the rest for administrative expenses.
For more information about the Community Foundation or EITC opportunities contact Paula at 814-834-2125.
