School News

Last Updated on Thursday, 27 April 2017 14:56

Through its EPK Fund, the Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) recently awarded more than $78,500 in need-based scholarships to 100 students attending pre-school programs at five participating Washington County schools: Central Christian Academy, John F. Kennedy Catholic School, Madonna Catholic Regional School, the Mon Valley YMCA, and the Village of FPC.

Northwest Savings Bank Branch Manager Angie Stay (in white) and WCCF Women of Philanthropy Giving Circle member Gwendolyn Simmons (in black) recently met with Mon Valley YMCA students and staff to present EPK Fund scholarships totaling more than $54,000.

The scholarships in this cycle were sponsored by corporate contributors including EQT, First Commonwealth, First Niagara, Highmark, Northwest Savings Bank, and UPMC Health System through the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

Representatives from Northwest Savings Bank and the WCCF recently visited the participating schools to meet with staff and students to present the scholarships.

“The Village is so pleased to partner with the Washington County Community Foundation’s EPK scholarship program, which enables businesses to designate a portion of the tax dollars to early childhood education. This program provides working families with scholarships that help to make quality child care more affordable. What a win-win situation for the businesses, families, children, and community!” remarked Cherie Sears, Village of FPC President.

Cumulatively, the WCCF has awarded more than $410,500 in EPK Fund scholarships. In addition to the EPK Fund, the Foundation also accepts EITC contributions through its ESO Fund to provide scholarships for financially needy students attending qualifying K-12 private schools and through the EIO Fund to provide funding for innovative programs at local public schools.

Local businesses who are interested in learning how they may receive tax credits of 75% to 100% for qualifying contributions to the WCCF are encouraged to visit the “EITC & OSTC Programs” section of www.wccf.net or contact the Foundation at 724-222-6330.

The mission of the Washington County Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. A 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, the Foundation has more than $18 million in assets and has distributed more than $8.2 million in charitable grants in six broad categories of arts and humanities, education, environment and animal welfare, health and fitness, human needs, and religion and faith-based programs.