JACKSON TWP — Three banks have invested in a new program at Seneca Valley that encourages girls to pursue careers in engineering.

The school’s Honors Women in Engineering Program got a boost recently when the banks donated a combined $18,500.

Those donations came from NexTier Bank for $15,000, Farmers National Bank for $2,500 and Mars National Bank for $1,000.

They donated to the program through the Seneca Valley Foundation, a nonprofit organization established several years ago as a fundraising arm for the district.

Also, the banks made their contributions through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, which encourages businesses to donate to educational programs and scholarships.

The money will help the Women in Engineering program, which has quadrupled in membership in the past several years.

The course is open only to juniors and seniors.

The foundation will continue to collect EITC tax credit donations. Any business interested can contact Lynn Burtner, the treasurer for the foundation, at burtnerla@svsd.net.