White Resolution Highlights Role of Educational Scholarships

HARRISBURG – A new resolution introduced by Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) recognizes how Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) scholarships have helped more than 600,000 Pennsylvania students since the program was developed in 2001.

White’s House Resolution 489 would designate May 17, 2026, as “25th Anniversary of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Day” to commemorate the scholarship program’s role in preK-12 education.

The EITC program provides tax credits to business entities contributing to scholarship-granting organizations that help families afford tutoring, private or parochial schools, specialized instruction, innovative educational programming at public schools, and other opportunities that best meet their needs.

“I’ve long supported expanding and strengthening the EITC program because it delivers real benefits for both businesses and families,” White said. “Through these scholarships, students gain access to opportunities and learning environments that would otherwise be out of reach. At a time when there are efforts in Harrisburg to cut EITC scholarships, it is more important than ever to recognize and reinforce the program’s life-changing impact.”

Under the EITC program, an approved scholarship organization or pre-K scholarship organization must be a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity. These organizations use contributions from participating businesses to provide scholarships to children who meet specified household income requirements.

White is an outspoken advocate of programs to enhance educational opportunities, including a federal program that mirrors Pennsylvania’s EITC initiative. She wants Gov. Josh Shapiro to opt-in and confirm the Commonwealth’s participation in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit to give opportunities to even more families.