Program offers tuition assistance

BY KELLY URBAN
The Tribune-Democrat

February 19, 2008 11:06 pm

— It’s money that will help families in Cambria County.
The Bridge Educational Foundation – along with its donor, CSX Transportation – announced Tuesday at Bishop McCort High School it was awarding $10,000 in scholarships to families at Bishop McCort and the Learning Lamp.
Each will receive $5,000 that will be used to help cover tuition costs for those who meet certain criteria.
The foundation raises money through the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program that gives tax credits to eligible businesses that donate to a scholarship or educational improvement organization. Scholarship organizations award money to children across the state to assist them in attending the schools of their choice.
The scholarships awarded Tuesday are part of the pre-kindergarten and K-12 EITC programs.
The pre-K initiative provides companies with a tax credit – or tax forgiveness – equal to 100 percent of the first $10,000 contributed to a pre-kindergarten scholarship organization during the taxable year.
Companies may receive a tax credit equal to 90 percent of any additional amount contributed during the year.
The K-12 EITC tuition program provides companies with a 75 percent tax credit – 90 percent for a two-year commitment – for funds donated.
Pete Gleason, Bridge Educational Foundation chairman and Bishop McCort alumnus, said the education students are receiving today is laying the groundwork for the future.
“Bishop McCort provided me what it provides all its students – an opportunity to succeed,” he said.
“I am deeply committed to the Bridge Educational Foundation and Pennsylvania’s EITC Program, which empower parents with a choice that fits a child’s needs.”
Leah Spangler, executive director of the nonprofit Learning Lamp, said the money will provide an education for 10 students.
“This program really does change lives,” she said.
State Sen. John Wozniak, D-Westmont, thanked Gleason for pushing to get the money into this district.
“This program is helpful in that it allows for local businesses to direct a portion of their state tax to a school of their choosing,” he said. “With the support of businesses like CSX Transportation and our residents, we can provide our children with the best possible education.”
Also on hand was Randy Cheetham, CSX Transportation’s regional vice president of public affairs, who said he takes pride in being able to lend a hand. “We are pleased to be creating educational opportunities for students across the state,” he said.
For more information on the Bridge Educational Foundation, visit its Web site at www.bridgeedu.org.

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