Butler and Clarion families awarded scholarships through Bridge Educational Foundation
The Bridge Educational Foundation met with contributors at Butler Catholic School on Thursday, April 9, to award Butler and Clarion county students with $95,000 in scholarships through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC).
Included in the scholarship presentation were Butler Catholic School, Saint Kilian Catholic School, North Catholic High School, St. Gregory Elementary School, Clarion Christian School, Immaculate Conception School and St. Joseph School. Representatives and principals from the schools attended the meeting.
Funds awarded by the foundation go directly toward funding education for children who need the funds and allowing them to stay in a school and community they thrive in.
“That phone call I get to make to a few of the families that we have, and I get to hear a mom crying on the phone because she knows that she is receiving those extra funds so that her children can stay in Catholic school. There’s no greater feeling than that,” John Hazur, principal of Butler Catholic School, said.
Waste Management has made big contributions to the foundation as a donor. When a company donates to the EITC, it receives tax credits for it, and the donated money goes toward the scholarships the foundation grants to students. Erika Young, a Waste Management representative, said the company has donated more than $2 million to organizations and schools in Pennsylvania this year.
“It’s a great way for us, as a company, to give back to our customers, our host communities and those who support us across the commonwealth,” Young said.
State Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, and state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, were present during the awarding of the scholarships. Both expressed their gratitude for the tax credits that make the program and others like it work.
Kelly Gerdes, director of scholarship programs at Bridge, noted how rewarding it is to be able to support families in need and get children the best education they can receive.
“I love these events, but I also love emailing all of my school official friends that I have money from these generous donors. It’s very fulfilling,” Gerdes said.
