Some investments are measured in dollars, others are measured in opportunity. On Friday, May 1, representatives from Orrstown Bank presented an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) contribution to the Lancaster Education Foundation in support of the School District of Lancaster. In attendance were Justin T. Wissler and Kristin L. Yelley of Orrstown Bank, alongside Lisa A.M. Unrath of the Lancaster Education Foundation.
Through Pennsylvania’s EITC program, businesses can redirect a portion of their tax dollars toward educational initiatives that directly impact local communities. For the Lancaster Education Foundation, those EITC contributions become grants that support innovative programs throughout SDoL. Programs that expand learning experiences, strengthen student engagement, and provide opportunities beyond what traditional funding alone can support.
That matters in a district like SDoL, where nearly 80 countries and 60 languages are represented across the student body and where the district’s strategic plan centers on academic excellence, equity, belonging, and community partnership. The district’s five-year strategic plan emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships between schools, families, businesses, and community organizations to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Investments like these are one example of that vision in action.
For local businesses, the program is also an opportunity to invest directly in the future workforce, future leaders, and future community members of Lancaster. When schools and community partners work together, students benefit. And sometimes, one check can help open the door to countless possibilities.