Waste Management Gives Back to K-12 Education

Supporting K-12 education is a cornerstone belief of Waste Managements. In April, Waste Management, a leading provider of integrated environmental solutions in North American, presented a $5,500 donation to the Council Rock Education Foundation (CREF) in support of innovative educational projects to benefit Council Rock students. The gift, made through Pennsylvania’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) program allows businesses up to a ninety percent tax credit when donating to an approved organization like the Council Rock Education Foundation.

“Waste Management has been participating in Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Program since its inception,” states Jennifer Smith, a representative from Waste Management. “Supporting education is a corporate priority; we strongly believe that education is the foundation on which our families, communities, nation and world will move ahead. Our investment in EITC is an investment in better a better future.”

Over the past decade, the Education Foundation has awarded grants over $200,000 to teachers to advance students in the Council Rock District. “We support our educators and students by funding innovative and experiential learning opportunities that are not covered by the annual school budget. These projects would not happen without the generous support of individuals and companies like Waste Management”, said Gail Acosta, Executive Director of CREF. “We value creativity and the vital role it plays in engaging, exciting and inspiring young minds for continued learning.”

This year, EITC support made a significant impact in Council Rock School District classrooms. It funded projects like elementary school computer coding clubs, STEM maker-spaces, a flight and rocketry program, a budding-birders club, and even commissioned an original score of music by composer Victor Lopez for the high school jazz bands which debut in April.

To learn more about CREF and the PA EITC program, please visit our website at http://creducationfoundation.org/eitc or contact Gail Acosta, Executive Director at CREF, at gacosta@creducation.org

From left to right; Dr. Robert Fraser (CRSD Superintendent ), Gail Acosta (CREF Executive Director), Denise Brooks (CRSD and CREF Board Member), Jennifer Smith (Waste Management), Maryann Molishus (CR Teacher and CREF Board Member), and Mark Byelich (CRSD and CREF Board Member).