The Mt. Airy Schools Coalition has awarded $14,000 to six local public elementary schools. A.B. Day, Emlen, Lingelbach, Henry, Houston, and Jenks will receive the grants, which will go toward funding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs, programs for gifted students and technology advancements that allow for blended learning in literacy and math.

“We are proud to be able to give back to the students in our communities,” said Kim Massare, director of development and community programs at Mt. Airy USA. “These grants will go directly to classrooms throughout northwest Philadelphia and students will directly benefit from this program.”

The Mt. Airy Schools Coalition is made up of three community organizations — West Mt. Airy Neighbors, East Mt. Airy Neighbors and Mt. Airy USA — and works to facilitate strategic investment of the community’s human capital and financial resources to support public schools. A mixer for current and prospective public school parents and community supporters is planned for October.

It is the third year the coalition has worked with business owners to direct their state tax dollars to area schools through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. EITC, available through the state since 2001, allows local businesses to contribute to a designated nonprofit organization and receive a tax credit. The money can go to private or public schools in the community. Since 2013, the Mt. Airy Schools Coalition has awarded over $30,000 in grants to the six local elementary schools.

“We’re thrilled to be able to use this grant to provide fourth- and fifth-graders at Emlen with the opportunity to learn more about the environment,” said Emlen Principal Tammy Thomans. “Children in our After School Gifted Program will have the opportunity to visit area environmental areas and become lifelong explorers.” 

For more information about the Mt. Airy Schools Coalition, visit mtairyusa.org/our-services/mtairyschools.