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. It is designed to enhance literacy and STEM learning for kindergarteners and first grade students in underserved school districts.

Since its launch in 2016, WITF’s Explore in the Classroom has positively engaged with over 3,000 students in the school districts of York City and Harrisburg City and will be expanding to the School District of Lancaster later this year. With your support, we can continue to deliver this valuable program that is highly prized by teachers, and also expand our outreach to engage even more children in creative, hands-on learning.

Explore in the Classroom uses beloved PBS characters to engage children during three one-hour education experiences designed by our experienced education team. Each one-hour classroom visit includes:

Introduction and read aloud story time of a book each student gets to take home
Two interactive STEM activities to support lessons in math, science, and literacy–linked to the Pennsylvania Core Curriculum
Hugs, high- fives, and pictures with a PBS Costumed Character
Take-home learning resources for families
Teacher resources

SPECIAL NOTE: Due to current COVID-19 pandemic, WITF has received state approval on a modified program. Until we can safely go back in the classroom, WITF will create and deliver educational kits along with lesson plans to teachers and their students participating in the Explore in the Classroom program. In coordination with WITF’s education team, the teacher will instruct and deliver the program which will include three books, 6 STEM and literacy activities, classroom manipulatives, and interactive resources for each student in their classroom.

Explore in the Classroom is impactful because we provide consistent year after year engaging educational experiences linked to Pennsylvania’s Core Curriculum. We have built trust with our local school districts, staff and teachers, and they look forward to our 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)

I loved the stories and books. We used our binoculars to go on a nature walk. We used the book for cloud observations and writings. We love this program! The presenters are fabulous with kids. 🙂

– Devers Kindergarten Teacher (YCSD)

Thank you so much for coming to Downey again this year and loving our kiddos!!! They will continue to talk about these experiences for a long time!! Hoping that I will get an email from you next school year!

– Downey Kindergarten Teacher (HBSD)

I loved having the program in my room. My students were very excited and engaged throughout every activity. I thought that this was such a positive experience for all of our students. They loved all of the activities and all the books they got to take home!

– Hannah Penn Kindergarten Teacher (YCSD)

EITC dollars also fund WITF’s News Media Literacy program. For more about that effort, visit News Media Literacy.

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 Mickey Balo, Corporate Support Account Executive, to learn more.

Micheline (Mickey) Balo
WITF Corporate Support Account Executive
(717) 910-2680
mickey_balo@witf.org

What is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program?

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania created the EITC Program to stimulate giving to innovative educational organizations. Qualified businesses can earn significant tax credits equal to 75% – 90% of its contributions to approved Educational Improvement Organizations.

WITF is approved as an Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) and is eligible to receive EITC contributions for its Explore in the Classroom program.

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
Retaliatory Fees under section 212 of the Insurance Company Law of 1921

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.

*It should be noted that in the past, ONLY those applications that were submitted on July 1 were considered for the tax credits. Demand is so high that even if you submit on July 1, businesses are not guaranteed to receive the credit for which they applied.

What are the deadlines?

May 15 – Business applicants who have fulfilled their 2-year commitment and wish to reapply in FY 19/20 to renew their 2-year commitment.
May 15 – Businesses who are in the middle of their 2-year commitment.
July 1 – All other businesses including initial applicants.

And special thanks…

…to these generous businesses sponsoring WITF’s Explore in the Classroom program in the 2020 – 2021 year. Thank you for your ongoing support!