Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program and WITF’s Explore In The Classroom
WITF’s Explore in the Classroom is an approved Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program under the Education Improvement Organization (EIO) category. The program is designed for kindergarten, first, and second grade students enrolled in school districts that experience persistent, and often significant, opportunity gaps. Led by WITF’s dynamic and experienced education team, each session connects children’s literature with two hands-on STEAM inquiry projects to spark curiosity and scientific thinking aligned with Pennsylvania STEELS standards. Students receive brand new books to take home along with other resource materials for classroom extension and learning at home. Teachers receive classroom resources and instruction plans for future implementation and adaptation.
Since its launch in 2016, WITF’s Explore in the Classroom has positively engaged with over 6,500 students in York City School District, Harrisburg School District, and the School District of Lancaster. And thanks to our generous sponsors over the last seven years, this program has distributed more than 23,000 books! With your support, we can continue to deliver this valuable program that is highly prized by teachers and expand our outreach to engage even more students across our region in innovative, hands-on learning.
How does our program compare to other school visit programs? Our Explore in the Classroom program stands out because of the multiple series design, the engaging, standards-aligned content, and our dynamic presenters. By visiting a classroom in a series, we develop relationships with teachers and form connections with the students that build trust and openness to learning. Teachers and students can’t wait until the next book and visit!
The Explore in the Classroom program is deeply impactful in many ways but mostly because we provide consistent year after year engaging educational experiences to students and meaningful partnerships with teachers and local school districts who look forward to this valuable program each year. This is why your support is so greatly needed and appreciated!
What are teachers saying about WITF’s Explore in the Classroom program?
I so appreciate the dedication of WITF/PBS to bring these classes and resources for our students. These resources and opportunities will reach our community (maybe more than you or I will ever know). Thank you!!
– Ben Franklin Kindergarten Teacher (HBSD)
My students loved all the activities and stories during their visits with WITF! Parents were very impressed with student work completed during some of the activities and how well their child(ren) were able to recall what they had learned during the visit!
– Jackson Kindergarten teacher (YCSD)
WITF has proven to be such a big part in our kids’ education, as these books are the only books our students have received all year!
– McKinley Kindergarten teacher (YCSD)
We can’t thank you enough for the books and activities you provided for our students. The bilingual books were amazing. So many students came back and said they’ve been reading with their families at home. This wouldn’t be possible without you!
– Ferguson Kindergarten teacher (YCSD)
How can I learn more about the benefits for my business?
WITF likes to publicly thank the businesses that support the Explore in the Classroom program. Please reach out to Linda Clark, Director of Corporate Partnerships, to learn more.
Linda Clark
Director of Corporate Partnerships
(717) 910-2921
linda_clark@witf.org
Does my business qualify?
Speak to your accountant. Businesses in Pennsylvania that pay any of the following taxes are eligible to apply for EITC credits:
- Personal Income Tax
- Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax
- Corporate Net Income Tax
- Bank Shares Tax
- Title Insurance & Trust Company Shares Tax
- Insurance Premium Tax (excluding surplus lines, unauthorized, domestic/foreign marine)
- Mutual Thrift Tax
- Malt Beverage Tax
- Surplus Lines Tax
How much of a Pennsylvania Corporate income tax credit can I get for my business?
- 75% of every dollar contributed for a 1-year contribution (up to a maximum $750,000 per taxable year.)
- 90% of every dollar for a 2-year commitment of the same amount each year
How does my business apply?
Pennsylvania businesses apply online for EITC credits through DCED’s electronic single application system. This link has more details and how to submit the online application.
Tax credit applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis by day submitted. All applications received on a specific day will be processed on a random basis before moving on to the next day’s applications. Applications will be approved until the amount of available tax credits is exhausted.
What are the deadlines?
- May 15 – Business applicants who have fulfilled their 2-year commitment and wish to reapply in FY 23/24 to renew their 2-year commitment.
- May 15 – Businesses who are in the middle of their 2-year commitment.
- July 3 – All other businesses including initial applicants and those applicants wishing to submit an additional application on top of their previously submitted 2-year commitment. Note: this date is typically July 1 but has been adjusted this year until the next business day.
And special thanks…
…to these generous businesses sponsoring WITF’s Explore in the Classroom program in the 2023 – 2024 year. Thank you for your ongoing support!
