According to the Pre-K for PA Campaign, 70% of three and four-year-olds in Pennsylvania do not have access to high-quality, early education. In addition, the average cost of pre-k for one year is $10,750. In response to these challenges, Pennsylvania created The Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC), giving businesses an opportunity to direct a portion of its tax credits to organizations that distribute pre-k scholarships to families.
As an approved scholarship organization for the EITC program, Trying Together is able to provide pre-k scholarships to qualifying families.
What are the scholarship eligibility requirements?
- Must be a resident of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland County;
- The child applicant must be three or four years of age by the beginning of the pre-k program;
- Registered, enrolled, and/or attending a high-quality pre-k program located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. High-quality is defined as being NAEYC Accredited, having a 3 or 4 Keystone STAR rating, or a Pre-K Counts program; and
- A member of a household with an annual household income of not more than $116,055, except that an additional income allowance of $20,428 is permitted for the child applicant, and for each other dependent as defined by the IRS living within the same household.
What benefits will your family receive?
- Full or partial scholarship funds to pay for up to one year’s tuition at a 3 or 4 Keystone STAR-rated, or NAEYC accredited pre-k program of the parent’s or guardian’s choosing. Scholarships can be also be used for Pre-K Counts programs or public school district pre-k programs that require tuition payment;
- The parent or guardian may choose a half- or full-day program for their child; and
- Tuition can also include related fees charged by the pre-kindergarten program and may include: books, instructional materials, technology equipment and services, uniforms, and activities.
How do I apply?
- EITC Pre-k Scholarship Program Application
- EITC Pre-k Scholarship Program Payment Agreement Form
- EITC Pre-k Scholarship Program Policies and Procedures Agreement
More information for families interested in the EITC Pre-k Scholarship Program.
Questions?
If you have questions about the EITC Pre-K Scholarship program, reach out to Maria Pisano, Director of Community Relations, at 412.421.3734 or email maria@tryingtogether.org.