Posted December 10, 2014

The Bridge Educational Foundation announced Dec. 4 that as a result of its partnership with local companies, more than $118,000 will be given to non-public school students through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs.

The foundation made the announcement, and kicked off its Toys for Tots toy drive with the U.S. Marine Corps, at Father Judge High School in Northeast Philadelphia.

Businesses participating with Bridge in the school-choice grants to students include CSX Transportation, Enterprise Holdings, United Healthcare Community Plan, Waste Management, Aegis Security Insurance, Penn Jersey Paper and RBC Capital Markets.

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State Reps. Kevin Boyle, John Taylor and Curtis Thomas attended the event at Father Judge with representatives of the donor companies and Bridge officials.

The students of the following local schools that will benefit from the donation include Archbishop Ryan High School, Christ the King School, CORA Services Early Years Preschool, Father Judge High School, Holmesburg Baptist Christian School, Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls, Maternity B.V.M. School, Mercy Vocational High School, Nazareth Academy Grade School, Nazareth Academy High School, Our Lady of Port Richmond Regional Catholic School, Politz Hebrew Academy, Quba Institute, Resurrection Regional Catholic School, St. Anselm School, St. Cecilia School, St. Christopher School, St. Dominic Elementary School, St. Frances Cabrini Regional Catholic School, St. Hubert High School, St. Katherine of Siena Catholic Grade School, St. Martha School, St. Martin of Tours School and St. Raymond of Penafort School.

Qualifying businesses can receive significant Pennsylvania tax credits for making scholarship donations through the state’s EITC and OSTC programs.

“Waste Management has a long history of donating to education and giving back to our communities,” said company spokesperson Jennifer Smith. “Investments in schools and educational programs help ensure the future of our communities by providing students, our future leaders, with the opportunity to reach their full potential. The Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program in Pennsylvania is a proven win-win that has been making a difference for 13 years.”

Oblate Father Joseph Campellone, president of Father Judge High School, said he was “excited and honored to host the Bridge Educational Foundation’s check presentation to the schools of the Northeast Philadelphia community. The Bridge Foundation continues to be a blessing to so many families who want their children to have a quality education. Throughout the years the Bridge Foundation has brought many local businesses and corporations together to participate in the EITC and OSTC Programs.”

For information on how to request scholarship funding visit http://www.bridgeedu.org.