Capital Blue Cross supported educational community programs throughout Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley during the past year by distributing nearly $2.1 million in Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grants.
That included support for 139 programs by educational organizations, including in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
EITC grants use state business-tax credits to enrich educational opportunities through donations to innovative programs. Capital’s support has helped fund learning initiatives benefiting thousands of children.
“Capital Blue Cross is proud to invest in programs that provide support and expand opportunities for children and their families across our region,” said Capital Blue Cross President and CEO Todd Shamash. “We also appreciate the Commonwealth’s elected leaders for their continued support of this vital tax credit grant program. By supporting these initiatives, we’re empowering the next generation to thrive.”
Here are some of the local programs that Capital’s funding helped make possible:
Lehigh County
Allentown Symphony Association
This grant helped strengthen the “Music for Social Change” program that offers underserved and special-needs kids free daily music instruction, ensemble experiences and tutoring to build life skills, confidence and academic success through the El Sistema Lehigh Valley initiative.
Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology
Funding advanced the STEAM Career Pathways Program, engaging students in grades 6–12 with hands-on learning and career exploration in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
Easterseals
Received support to expand programs for youth with disabilities, including employment preparation through LEAP (Learn, Earn, Achieve, Practice) and summer enrichment at Camp Growing Green, which combines environmental education with traditional camp activities to foster independence and personal growth.
Northampton County
Equi-Librium, Inc.
Ride, Learn, and Grow uses equine-assisted learning to teach life skills, confidence, empathy and self-control through interactive activities with horses. The program aligns with classroom standards and reinforces language, science, and math skills for academic and personal growth.
The Children’s Home of Easton
Grant funding enhances the Firmstone Family Services Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic, expanding access to mental health care for children, youth and adults. The clinic provides compassionate treatment for personal challenges and family issues, improving overall well-being in the community.
About Capital Blue Cross
Capital Blue Cross serves a 21-county region in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley by offering health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind and promote health and wellness for our members. We focus on simplifying and personalizing the health experience and using innovative solutions – including patient-focused care models, actionable data, and digital health technologies – to create healthier lives and lower healthcare costs. Our Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Information provided to TVL by:
Jeff Wirick
