orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
STRENGTHENING EDUCATION THROUGH BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
The Norwin School District Community Foundation Collaborates with Local Businesses to Support Hillcrest Innovation Lab through Pennsylvania ’ s EITC Program
The Norwin School District Community Foundation ( NSDCF ) is proud to once again partner with local businesses to provide funding to support the Hillcrest Innovation Lab at the Norwin School District through Pennsylvania ’ s Education Improvement Tax Credit Program .
Education is a cornerstone of a thriving society , shaping future generations and fueling growth and innovation . To support this , Pennsylvania launched the Education Improvement Tax Credit ( EITC ) Program , which partners businesses with schools , including the Norwin School District . For over 20 years , EITC has allowed businesses to direct part of their state tax liability to enhance educational programs . This program benefits both businesses and students , turning tax dollars into charitable contributions that invest in our future workforce and community leaders .
A key component of the EITC program is the collaboration it fosters between businesses and approved Education Improvement Organizations such as the Norwin School District Community Foundation . Since its inception in 2007 , the NSDCF has been dedicated to supporting programs and activities that benefit students and residents of the Norwin School District . The Foundation has increased community philanthropy , developed and administered numerous scholarship funds for Norwin students , and supported a variety of educational initiatives . Today , the NSDCF manages over 21 community scholarships , the Educator Innovation Grant ( EIG ) program , two veteran memorials in the Norwin area , and initiatives focused on innovative learning .
The NSDCF is honored to have received a total of $ 30,000 for the 2024-2025 school year from the following businesses :
• First National Bank ( FNB )
• Somerset Trust
• UPMC
Previous EITC support funds have been instrumental in enhancing various programs across the district . These include STEM Summer Camps , Maker Space
30 NORWIN materials for Norwin Middle School and Hillcrest Intermediate , Corel Draw software and woodshop equipment for Norwin High School , as well as equipment and supplies for the Castle Production Lab . Additionally , funds have supported Project ‘ Lead the Way ,’ advancing the Biomedical Science program at Norwin High School . Thanks to the generous contributions from businesses participating in the EITC program , the district continues to offer innovative learning experiences , empowering all students to achieve excellence .
The NSDCF invites businesses to support the state ’ s educational goals through the EITC program . This participation goes beyond philanthropy ; it is a strategic investment in the future of Norwin School District students . By contributing to the NSDCF through this program , businesses can help foster academic excellence and innovation by supporting programs that offer enriching and forward-thinking learning experiences .
For more information on confirming eligibility to participate in the EITC program , please visit . https :// dced . pa . gov / programs / educational-improvement-taxcredit-program-eitc /. Once eligibility has been confirmed , businesses can apply for EITC credits digitally through DCED ’ s electronic single application system and determine how to allocate funds to support educational initiatives to make a meaningful impact on Norwin students and teachers , such as the Hillcrest Innovation Lab .
HILLCREST INNOVATION LAB
First National Bank ( FNB ) - Pictured L-R : Todd Jones , FNB Marketing Manager Vice President ; Lauren Steiner , Executive Director of the NSDCF and Director of Communications for the Norwin School District ; Dr . Natalie McCracken , Norwin School District Superintendent ; Ronald Donatelli , FNB President , Pittsburgh Region .
Somerset Trust Company ( STC ) - Pictured L-R : Felicia DeVncentis , STC VP , Wealth Advisor & Trust Officer ; Lauren Steiner , Executive Director of the NSDCF and Director of Communications for the Norwin School District ; Dr . Natalie McCracken , Norwin School District Superintendent ; Cheryl Campbell , STC Vice President , Commercial Lending ; and Dr . Jack Boylan , President of the NSDCF .
The Norwin School District Community Foundation and Norwin School District express their gratitude to the businesses that have consistently supported this initiative and encourage others to contribute to shaping the educational landscape of Pennsylvania through the EITC program . Together , we can create a legacy of learning at Norwin School District that lasts for generations .
Last month , the Hillcrest Innovation Lab hosted its Grand Opening Celebration . The evening included an exclusive look into the newly renovated space . Hillcrest students and Lead STEM Teachers provided several demonstrations to those in attendance , including members of the Norwin Board of Education , Administration , Facilities and Maintenance Department , IT Department , Norwin Faculty , Parents , and PTA .
The Hillcrest Innovation Lab ( HIL ) officially opened at the start of the 2024-2025 school year , offering fifth and sixth-grade students a range of innovative learning experiences , including Video Production , VR Goggles , and SmalLab Programming . This initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Norwin School District Community Foundation , EITC contributions , the Hillcrest PTA , the Norwin School District Facilities and Maintenance Department , and the dedicated efforts of district members who successfully secured grant funding .
The Norwin School District extends its gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project and continues to support its mission of fostering a positive , learner-centered environment that nurtures the growth of all students .