In an exciting development for the local education community, First Commonwealth Bank has donated funds via the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) to support two programs within the Indiana Area School District: the dual enrollment program at the Indiana Area Senior High School and Battlebots competition hosted by the Indiana Area Junior High School.
The Bank's generous donation will help provide hope and opportunity for students in the Indiana community through the dual enrollment program, which allows high school students to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their college education.
“We had the chance to meet with some of the students participating in dual enrollment,” First Commonwealth State President Dave Reed said. “These kids – some are just freshmen and sophomores – see the value in accelerating their college education now to help get them into the workforce faster later. It’s impressive. As importantly, taking the credits through the school’s program can reduce the amount of college debt these students might incur. As a community bank with a mission to improve financial lives, we’re very proud to financially support a program that gives students that opportunity.”
The Battlebots competition is a unique program at middle school level that encourages students to work together to design and build robots to compete against each other. Last year the Junior High hosted its inaugural event, which organizers believe was one of the first such events for middle school aged students. Students and staff are eagerly anticipating the second annual event on May 19th.
"We are extremely grateful to our community bank for their generous donation," said Board President, Mr. Walter Schroth. "Their support is essential to our students’ success, and we appreciate the Bank's commitment to our community. They are a great partner, and we thank them for their support."The EITC program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and allows area businesses to allocate their tax dollars to local school districts to support a wide range of academic and enrichment programs. The school district is excited to continue working with First Commonwealth Bank and looks forward to the positive impact this donation will have on students and, in turn, the community.
"This donation from our community bank is a great example of the power of partnership," said school superintendent, Mr. Michael Vuckovich. "It is through collaborations like this that we are able to provide our students with the best opportunities to succeed. We are grateful for their continued support."
Photos:
From left to right: Walter Schroth, President of Indiana Area School District Board of School Directors; Michael Dolges and Scott Herrington, teachers and IJHS Battlebot competition organizers; Dave Reed, First Commonwealth State President; Mike Vuckovich, Indiana Area School District Superintendent
From left to right: Wade McElheny, Indiana Area Senior High School Principal; Walter Schroth, President of Indiana Area School District Board of School Directors; Michael Bertig, Dean of Students; Anna Buterbaugh, dual enrollment student; Keaton Stants, teacher; Grace Leeper, dual enrollment student; Mark Rend, teacher; Ben Campbel, dual enrollment; Dave Reed, First Commonwealth State President; and Andrew Beatty, dual enrollment student