PPL donates $65K for Scholarships
PPL Electric Utilities recently awarded $65,000 to Community Services for Children (CSC) to supports pre-k scholarship program for children at high risk. The funds will be used for children enrolled in CSC’s unique Newton School, the state’s only preschool using Science, Technology, Engineering and Math as a focus for hands-on learning. Adding to a previous grant of $40,000, PPL also donated an additional $10,000 to CSC for its highly successful Literacy Technology Labs. The award supports 240 low-income children attending Head Start and Pre-K Counts at two of CSC’s preschool locations in Allentown.
Both awards were possible through the EITC program, the Commonwealth program that allows companies to donate part of their state tax obligation to approved educational programs.
“Literacy and STEM skills are essential to success,” said Michael A. Walker, Esq, CEO and President of CSC. “Our Technology Lab combines traditional with 21st century approaches to give children a boost in their skills. The Newton School shows that children learn best through hands-on experimentation and discovery.”
Analysis of CSC’s outcomes demonstrates that the children accessing the Technology Lab outperform their peers not only in acquiring literacy skills but in all areas of development. Last year’s Newton School students overall tested not only ready for kindergarten, but ready for first grade as well.
“Empowering students creates healthy and vibrant communities. That’s why PPL is dedicated to working with educators and other business and community leaders to prepare students for the future,” said Carol Obando-Derstine, Regional Affairs Director-Southeast Region, PPL Electric Utilities. “We’re proud to support CSC’s Technology Lab, which has a proven success record of expanding access to high-quality pre-school education.”
“We also support CSC’s pre-k scholarship program because their results are outstanding. Their preschoolers overcome extreme poverty ready for success in kindergarten. Their program uniquely works with the children’s parents, too. That’s a key to success,” said Obando-Derstine.
CSC has depended on EITC contributions for the Tech Lab since opening 8 years ago. With the delay in the Pennsylvania budget being passed, EITC contributions have been sorely missed.
“The PPL contribution couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Walker. “We faced having to close the Technology Lab if PPL hadn’t found a way to support it without EITC dollars. We are very grateful.”
Nadine Slifka February 29th, 2016
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