Learn About Our Programs & Scholarships
(EITC) PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit In 2023
PA Tax Credit Opportunities for Businesses
The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation (listed as “SPARKS Foundation” on the list of approved organizations) is approved as an Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) as defined by PA’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC). The State of Pennsylvania allows a tax credit equal to 75% of any amount contributed to SPARKS if the contribution is a one-year gift. Businesses that make a two-year gift of the same amount receive a tax credit totaling 90%.
Uses: Tax credits may be applied against the tax liability of a business for the tax year in which the contribution was made.


Business Application Timeline:
May 15 through June 30 – Business applicants who have fulfilled their 2-year commitment and wish to reapply in FY 21/22 to renew their 2-year commitment.
May 15 through June 30 – Businesses who are in the middle of their 2-year commitment.
July 1 – All other businesses including initial applicants and those applicants wishing to submit an additional application on top of their previously submitted 2-year commitment.
Eligibility: Businesses authorized to do business in Pennsylvania who are subject to one or more of the following taxes:
Personal Income Tax
Capital Stock Franchise Tax
Corporate Net Income Tax
Bank Shares Tax
Title Insurance & Trust Company Shares Tax
Mutual Thrift Tax
Insurance Premium Tax (excluding surplus lines, unauthorized, domestic/foreign marine)
Retaliatory Fees under section 212 of the Insurance Company Law of 1921
Malt Beverage Tax
Building The Scientific Mindset
An important component of the program from The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation is allowing students to guess (hypothesize) the end result of an experiment and to learn that, in the science world, it’s alright to be wrong (at least at first). Students learn that many of the important scientific discoveries have come after many failures, followed by the scientist or researcher trying again. We, therefore, make time during each session for students to ask questions, compare hypotheses, and wonder at the results of their experiment. There is also a take-home component (one of their experiments) to the lesson for all students.
Applying For Educational Improvement Tax Credits
The business application guide explains the process of applying. Tax credit applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis by day submitted. All applications received on a specific day will be processed on a random basis before moving on to the next day’s applications. Applications will be approved until the amount of available tax credits is exhausted.
Guidelines for this win-win opportunity, access https://dced.pa.gov/download/educational-improvement-tax-credit-program-eitc-guidelines/?wpdmdl=84406.
How to Apply: Access the EITC Business Electronic Application
https://dced.pa.gov/download/apply-single-application-short-app-121516/?wpdmdl=73144


Classroom Visitations
School Assemblies
The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation loves to demonstrate how fun and interesting science can be through in-school assemblies! There are various topics to choose from (energy, matter, and others!), and we bring in the pizzazz and sparkle and bring out the wonder and curiosity in the students. Help us spark their interest in science by funding a school assembly in your community. Enjoy this video: https://youtu.be/GPwG_rShrIA
Specialty STEM Programs Beyond The Classroom
College Scholarships
How to apply: The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation College Scholarship Committee encourages applications from all high school students in their senior year whose intended major is in an area of the sciences and who are in need of financial assistance. The committee also considers scholastic achievement, academic promise, and community service in addition to financial need.
The Foundation can award up to four $2,500 scholarships, and the scholarship check will be sent directly to the college or university of the recipient.
The program of study should be full-time (2-year or 4-year) and one which will result in a degree or diploma. The Committee relies on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in the application in order to choose recipients each year. Both the student and the parent(s) should carefully review the application for accuracy and sign where indicated.
Please send your application by April 8 of the year in which you will enter your first year of college. You will be notified of the committee’s decision by mid-June of that year.
SPARKS College Scholarship Application
Review process: The Board of Directors of The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation reviews all applications.
LEAVE AN IMPRINT
We provide quality, inquiry-based science programming to elementary school students who face financial barriers for participation in extra-curricular activities. 22,837 students received our quality science programs during this current school year, most of which were free of charge. Our programming has positively changed students’ perception of science.
Partner
Foundation grants and other large contributions will enable us to inspire hundreds or even thousands of budding scientists at a time. – Find Out More
Donate
Do you believe in the power of quality education in and beyond the classroom? A donation in any amount will power our outreach programs in many areas of STEM. – Find Out More
Sponsor
A single class, an entire grade level, or the whole school with your contribution. Imagine the impact your dollars will have! – Find Out More

S.P.A.R.K.S. = Supporting Progress in Academic Readiness & Knowledge in S.T.E.M.
Providing interactive, hands-on learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math that extend and enhance the traditional elementary science curriculum.

Address
1290 Broadcasting Rd, Suite 121, Wyomissing PA 19610