ERIE’s contributions will benefit nonprofit-led programs serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in Northwest Pennsylvania
Erie Insurance (ERIE) has awarded 22 education nonprofits more than $824,000 in funding for 2023 to help extend educational programs to pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students as part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.
Erie Insurance has donated more than $10 million through the program since it began in 2001 and has invested in education in the City of Erie and throughout Northwest Pennsylvania for decades.
“We continue to support and recognize the many nonprofits that help expand access to education for all while creating a more inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community for this and future generations,” said Brian Wilking, senior community outreach specialist. “Erie Insurance takes our responsibility to give where we live to heart, and we are pleased to leverage Pennsylvania’s EITC program to contribute in this way.”
The EITC program is a business tax credit program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development that encourages Pennsylvania businesses to support eligible nonprofit organizations.
This year, ERIE’s EITC recipients will provide school readiness and after-school programs, enhance literacy and introduce youth to STEM, finance, business, government, environment and the arts.
Early Connections is one of the local nonprofits receiving funds from ERIE in 2023. The grant will support Erie’s Future Fund scholarships, which allow underserved children from low-income families access to a high-quality early childhood education or preschool program for up to two years.
“Since 2012, Erie Insurance has helped serve over 1,600 Erie’s Future Fund Scholars attend high-quality preschools throughout Erie County, including many YMCA locations, The Learning Ladder and Erie First, to name a few. Scholar data is gathered to track performance and ensure consistent attendance,” said Michelle Harkins, Early Connections, Executive Director. “We are very thankful for Erie Insurance’s dedication to our community’s children and future workforce.”
Another recipient, Penn State Behrend’s LEADS (Learn, Explore, Advance, Discover, Succeed) program, will use its grant to help reduce barriers for high school students attending a college-credit course at Penn State Behrend this summer. The funding will be used for books and supplies, transportation and meals for LEADS students. Student development and STEM career exploration are also part of the experience.
“Our mission is to motivate and inspire talented youth in Erie to explore career opportunities so that they can feel more confident about pursuing postsecondary training and education,” said Andy Herrera, Penn State Behrend’s director of educational equity and diversity programs. “As part of the program, participants take part in dynamic and interactive activities, field trips, and other sessions in order to fully experience different fields and learn about local companies, products, and businesses.”
Other organizations receiving EITC grants from ERIE in 2023 include: Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System (ACES), Asbury Woods, Boys & Girls Club, City Mission, Community Country Day School, Erie Art Museum, Erie Philharmonic, Erie Playhouse, Erie Zoo, expERIEnce Children's Museum, Foundation For Free Enterprise Education, Gannon University, Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, Greater Erie Community Action Committee, Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania, National Liberty Museum, Neighborhood Art House, Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center, Young Artist Debut Orchestra and WQLN.
“While public-private partnerships such as Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program benefit our company’s bottom line, the EITC program allows us to expand the reach of our philanthropic support and increase the impact of each dollar donated,” added Ann Scott, ERIE’s community outreach manager.