Capital Blue Cross is supporting several 2024 educational programs by distributing nearly $1 million in 80 Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Live Healthy school grants across central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley so far this year.

EITC grants use state business-tax credits to fund scholarships and enrich educational opportunities through donations to innovative programs. Live Healthy grants support innovative school programs that strive to increase physical activity, enhance nutrition and encourage healthier life habits.

Capital's generosity has helped fund schools, summer camps and innovative learning initiatives benefiting thousands of children.

Among the local programs Capital's support is making possible this year is the Salvation Army Harrisburg Summer Youth Enrichment, which received an EITC grant. During the program, more than 100 children enjoyed an activity-packed, affordable 2024 summer camp complete with literacy lessons, sessions on character and emotional development, nutrition and cooking classes, career exploration and more.

A Live Healthy grant was awarded to the Tiger Tranquility Den in the Fleetwood Area School District, Berks County. The tranquility den creates a serene school space for students to relax and recharge so they can improve mental focus, reduce stress and enhance their mental well-being.

Another EITC grant was awarded to the Mobile Agriculture Education Science Lab - Dauphin County. With many student generations removed from farm life, the mobile lab uses innovative methods to bridge the agricultural knowledge gap, including interactive experiments to help students across Pennsylvania connect with agriculture and explore its career opportunities.

An EITC grant was awarded to Junior Achievement BizTown - York County. In this program, fifth- and sixth-graders were able to experience business aspects of administrating a town via a simulated workday that included interactive roles such as running a bank, managing a restaurant, voting for mayor and more.

For more information about the grant programs and other ways Capital supports the communities it serves, visit http://www.capbluecross.com, select "About" and then choose "Pay It Forward."