Bridge Education Foundation donates $17,250 in scholarships

Students attending the following schools will benefit from the tuition scholarships: Clarion Christian School, Immaculate Conception School and St. Joseph School.

School officials, business donors, and state lawmakers recently gathered for a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity at Clarion Christian School to celebrate the scholarship announcement.

The Bridge Educational Foundation has provided scholarships to more than 32,000 students in 61 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

“The EITC is providing families throughout the state with a choice by pairing the financial support of community-minded businesses with families since 2001. The COVID pandemic and the resulting educational changes and closures, prompted many families to consider their educational options.

“EITC scholarships are an important financial tool for families seeking an alternative to their local public school,” remarked Natalie Nutt, Bridge Educational Foundation executive director.

Pennsylvania’s innovative EITC program marked two decades of success in 2021.Each year, the EITC is providing income-based scholarships to thousands of children.

In July 2022, lawmakers made a record investment in educational choice by adding $115 million in scholarship opportunities for Pennsylvania families. The educational tax credits now total $345 million annually.

Each year hundreds of businesses are wait-listed and unable to contribute, the increase in tax credits will allow more businesses to participate in the EITC program. For reference, Pennsylvania state government spending for public education increased to more than $7.6 billion per year in 2022.

The educational tax credits create a partnership with the business community and the future workforce and provide a way for companies to help families in the communities where they live and work.

The tax credit programs provide companies with a 75 percent tax credit 90 percent for a two-year commitment for funds donated to approved, nonprofit scholarship or educational improvement organizations.

Businesses may donate up to $750,000 per year through the EITC and OSTC programs. The pre-k EITC initiative offers businesses up to $200,000 in tax credits annually at a 90 percent tax credit for funds donated to an approved non-profit scholarship organization like the Bridge Educational Foundation.

The EITC provides a unique opportunity for businesses to help families in the communities where they operate.

For information on Bridge Educational Foundation and how to request scholarship funding, visit www.bridgeedu.org or follow them on social media at Instagram: bridge.educational.pa and Twitter: @BridgeEducatio3.