What is EITC?
Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program is a way for businesses to enrich educational opportunities for students and earn tax credits by donating to an Educational Improvement Organization. Through EITC, eligible businesses can receive tax credits equal to 75% of their contribution, up to $750,000 per taxable year. The tax credit may be increased to 90% of the contribution if the business agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive tax years.
EITC applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis once submissions open on July 1 each year. More information about specific eligibility may be found at dced.pa.gov.
Why EITC?
The EITC Program is a way for businesses to direct their tax dollars back to the community. EITC contributing partners help Da Vinci Science Center engage thousands of students and teachers throughout Pennsylvania, including many from schools located in communities with high concentrations of families in living in poverty.
These districts have fewer resources to dedicate to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education. By engaging students in hands-on STEAM learning experiences, the science center helps build students’ confidence and skills in STEAM so they are better prepared for future careers and STEAM-literate lives. These programs play a vital role in building the education-to-workforce pipeline that fuels the PA economy.
In 2023, Da Vinci Science Center EITC programs served 18 counties, 51 school districts, and 111 schools
What Da Vinci Science Center Programs does EITC funding support?
Structured field trip experiences to Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion that are aligned with school curricula and reinforce PA Department of Education STEELS and Career Education and Workforce Standards
School field trips are a popular way in which school children interact with Da Vinci Science Center. The workshops and exhibits provide a variety of opportunities for students to learn complex concepts, and offer real-world connections to classroom learning. These experiences are critical for preparing students for the 21st-century workforce.
Traveling Science Shows that feature live demonstrations and interactive assembly programs
Traveling Science Shows are interactive assembly programs for students. Da Vinci Science Center educators bring immersive experiences to schools, exposing students to scientific programming they wouldn’t normally experience. These programs are designed to spark students’ interest and curiosity, and keep them engaged in science learning.
Traveling Science Classroom and After-School Programs
Classroom programs during the school day and after-school programs reinforce learning, improve student knowledge, interests, attitudes, skills, and behaviors related to STEAM education and STEM careers. Standards-based classroom programs can be single-day, multiple-day, semester-long, or summer experiences. They can be held in schools or at community locations and are available during school hours and for after-school programs.
STEM summer literacy programs to help reduce summer learning loss
Summer learning is critical for student success. The combination of science and literacy is a powerful means to capture student interest and engagement. Da Vinci Science Center offers six-week STEM and literacy summer programs at urban school sites during the summer months. In these programs, science and literacy instruction is combined with positive youth development to decrease summer learning loss, increase academic performance, and increase science capital. Classes are co-taught by a Da Vinci Science Center educator and a teacher from a school or community partner.
STEAM Career Pathways Certificate Program providing educational programs, mentoring, and internships for middle and high school students
This new signature program addresses the challenges faced by traditionally underrepresented groups and advances educational and employment opportunities available in STEAM fields. Through a series of graduated opportunities, the program follows individuals with an interest in STEAM from middle school through high school and provides participants with the opportunity to explore STEAM careers, take classes in their area of interest, meet practicing professionals, and participate in a paid internship. The program is available to students from the neighborhoods in the immediate vicinity of the science center and throughout the greater Lehigh Valley region.
Da Vinci Science Center is the leading provider of STEAM education in Northeastern PA.
Your gift sustains our vision of nurturing future scientists, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
For more information about supporting EITC Programs at Da Vinci Science Center, contact: MaryEllen Dickey, Chief Philanthropy Officer
To apply to participate in the EITC Program, go to the PA EITC website: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/opportunity-scholarship-tax-credit-program-ostc/
Participating Da Vinci Science Center EITC Partners
- Weis Markets, Inc.
- Capital Blue Cross
- American Bank
- Fulton Bank
- John Yurconic Agency
- Avalon Insurance
- UGI Utilities
- Embassy Bank
- Truist Bank
- Eat n Park
- Binney & Smith, Inc.
- Follett LLC
- Independent Business Associates
- Information Systems Manager
- Insulation Corporation of America
- JP Masacaro & Sons
- Martin Kueny Insurance Solutions
- Merril Lynch
- QNB Bank
- Serfass Construction
- Spillman Farmer
- TEVA Pharmaceutical
- First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union
- Just Born Quality Confections
- Langan Engineering
- PPL
Da Vinci Science Center’s Participating Schools & Districts
- Allentown School District
- Parkland School District
- Northwestern Lehigh School District
- Luzerne Pocono Mountain School District
- East Stroudsburg Area School District
- Stroudsburg Area School District
- Monroe School District
- Catasaqua Area School District
- Sheckler Elementary
- Calypso Elementary
- Donegan Elementary
- Farmersville Elementary
- Fountain Hill Elementary
- Hanover Elementary
- Lincoln Elementary
- Spring Garden Elementary
- Thomas Jefferson Elementary
- William Penn Elementary
- Broughal Middle School
- Saucon Valley School District
- Saucon Valley Middle School
- Forks Elementary
- Francis A March Elementary
- Paxinosa Elementary
- Easton Area Middle School
- Easton Area High School
- Wilson Area School District
- Avona Elementary
- Philadelphia School District
- Grover Cleveland Mastery Charter School
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- St. Philip Neri School
- Tamaqua Area School District
- Blue Mountain Elementary East
