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For Immediate Release
October 12, 2007
CONTACT:
Colleen Greer
Phone: 717-787-6801
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South Central Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Program Holds Reception
to Recognize the Program's Donors Over its Six Year Existence
(HARRISBURG – October 12, 2007) – This morning, South Central Pennsylvania
Educational Improvement Program (SCPEIP) held a breakfast reception to recognize
the program's donors over its six year existence (monetary contribution and
scholarship numbers can be found at the end of the press release).
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC is the administrator of the
educational funding for both the scholarship and innovative programs. 22 Dauphin
County Schools have benefited from the scholarship program, while West Perry
School District and Harrisburg School District have benefited from the
innovative programs.
SCPEIP was founded by area business, government, civic and church leaders to
provide new educational opportunities and tuition assistance to qualified
students and families. Since the program's inception in 2001, a total of over
$2.2 million has been awarded to students in need. The Educational Tax
Improvement Credit Program was created by Governor Tom Ridge and the General
Assembly in 2001.
"Ensuring that families of the City of Harrisburg and our region have an
opportunity to provide a quality education for their children has been a
priority for me Thanks to the financial assistance provided by the tax credit
program, many students have been able to continue to attend the school of their
choice," said Piccola. "I am pleased to celebrate six years of strong
performance of our local scholarship program which has achieved wonderful
progress in our region. The program has dispersed 1,935 scholarships, since its
inception, enabling area children to receive an education that matches the
choice of their family. I look forward to the continued success and growth of
the program in years to come."
"The six year old program offers educational funding to children in need of
tuition assistance," added Kirk Hallet, Director, The Joshua Group and SCPEIP
Board member. "SCPEIP is the ticket allowing students to attend their school of
choice identifying those with the most economic need first."
The law requires scholarship applicants to be enrolled in a school which is
defined as "a public or nonpublic kindergarten, elementary school or secondary
school at which the compulsory attendance requirements of the Commonwealth may
be met and which meets the applicable requirements of Title VI of The Civil
Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352, 78 Stat. 241)." In addition, applicants
must also be members of a household income of not more than $60,000. The income
may increase $10,000 for each eligible student and dependent member of the
household.
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting
growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties by
providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development and
advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and livability
as a region. Over the past 6 years, the Chamber & CREDC has provided assistance
that has created over $200M in economic impact and created or retained over
9,000 jobs. HRC/CREDC has been accredited with four stars from the United States
Chamber of Commerce.
- Total Contributions - $2,231,473
- Total Scholarship Contributions - $1,807,681
- Total number of scholarships - 1,935
- Total Improvement Program Contributions
- Perry County - $21,900
- City of Harrisburg - $149,700
- Total Pre-K Contributions - $252,192 |
