The Neffs National Bank recently presented checks to Northwestern Lehigh and Parkland school districts through an Education Improvement Tax Credit gift.

Clare Coupe Scott, president of the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation, commented on receiving the donation.

“The funds will be used to continue the technology infusion in the school district,” Scott said. “We are also supporting the launch of the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) initiatives in the district.”

According to Nicole McGalla, director of Community Relations and Development with Parkland School District, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program authorizes tax credits for businesses that make contributions to Educational Improvement Organizations or scholarship organizations.

McGalla said the program administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development enables companies to support non-profit school foundations at minimal cost.

Instead of sending tax dollars to Harrisburg, companies can reallocate them to support a school district through the school district’s education foundation, she said.

This year, Neffs Bank donated $50,000 to both Northwestern and Parkland.

McGalla said the Parkland School District Education Foundation will be using the Education Improvement Tax Credit donation to create maker spaces in all elementary schools next year.

“We piloted a maker space at Fogelsville Elementary this year in the Media Center,” McGalla said. “A maker space is a place where kids can tinker, design and create. Creativity is encouraged, as is trial and error.”