Credit: Submitted
Over the last year, local businesses have contributed more than $125,000 to support Bucks County Community College outreach programs for elementary, middle and high school students.
The grants have been donated as part of the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program from businesses such as Univest Bank and Trust, Fred Beans Ford, Covenant Bank, Waste Management Inc., First Priority Bank, Softerware, PNC Bank, and the Fulton Bank – Premier Division.
The donations are part of the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit, or EITC, program, according to Jean Holmes, Development Manager for the Bucks County Community College Foundation, the fundraising arm of the college.
“Local businesses really understand the value of high quality educational opportunities,” said Bucks County Community College Development Manager Jean Holmes. “EITC funding allows the college to expand important programming like dual enrollment, which allows high school students to enroll in Bucks courses and get a head start on their college education.”
One of the programs that Bucks is now approved to fund includes Artmobile, a traveling outreach museum, and Kids on Campus, a group of summer camps for children in Kindergarten through grade eight with focuses in art, foreign language, sports, science, test prep, and study skills.
The Artmobile is an art museum for all ages housed in a 48-foot semi trailer. It travels throughout Bucks County from September to June, visiting all 13 school districts and many public sites. The child oriented museum visited the Bucks County Community Center Music and Multimedia Center back in September.
“We are proud to partner with Bucks County Community College and provide opportunities for individuals to enrich their lives through learning,” said Kim Detwiler, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Communications at Univest Bank. “Education is the largest area of giving through Univest’s philanthropic program. We believe that investing in education will help ensure the strength and vitality of our local communities for years to come.”
Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program provides tax credits to businesses that make donations which support school-age educational programs. The EITC program provides companies with a 75 percent tax credit the first year, and a 90 percent tax credit if the company makes the same donation for a second consecutive year.
A business paying taxes in Pennsylvania can receive up to $300,000 in tax credits annually. Since its inception at Bucks in 2009, the College has raised $434,000 for EITC programs.
