2007 Archives
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
