(Butler, PA) Lifesteps is the recipient of a $3,806 donation from Northwest Savings Bank through the  Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and  Economic Development (DCED). The gift will be used to fund its Pre-Kindergarten (Preschool) Scholarship  Program. 

Lifesteps’ Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Program offers full and partial scholarships for it Armstrong, Beaver  and Butler Early Education Centers to qualified children in full- or part-time preschool services, as well as the  Summer Discovery Program. Eligible students must be 3 to 5 years of age, a resident of Pennsylvania, and be a member of a family that meet household income requirements. 

The program offers a child a chance to build early literacy, math, science and social skills prior to starting Kindergarten. This strong educational foundation helps to prepare a child for school success, supporting life long learning.  

Lifesteps is approved to receive donations both as an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO)  and a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization (PKSO). For eligibility requirements or to apply for a  scholarship, please visit www.lifesteps.net.  

“We want to thank Northwest Savings Bank for their generous gift through the EITC Program,” said Karen  Sue Owens, President and CEO of Lifesteps. “Northwest’s donation will allow Lifesteps to provide tuition  assistance, making early learning more available and affordable for eligible families.” 

Pennsylvania’s EITC Program enables businesses to receive tax credits when making contributions to an  approved educational organization, like Lifesteps, at little or no cost to them. Businesses who participate in  the program receive up to a 100 percent tax credit when making contributions to organizations that provide  Pre-K Scholarships for low- and middle-income children and/or up to a 90 percent tax credit for contributions  supporting educational programs or scholarships for students in grades K-12. 

Lifesteps is a non-profit agency that has served Pennsylvania communities since 1923. Services for children,  families, adults with disabilities and seniors are designed to encourage growth, independence, confidence  and dignity. The programs span the age spectrum, ranging from free developmental screenings for infants  and toddlers to programs that allow adults with intellectual disabilities live an “Everyday Life,” and are  encouraged to be as independent as possible. For more information, visit lifesteps.net.