HARRISBURG – Capital Blue Cross is supporting a wide range of educational programs in 2023, distributing a total of 88 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 supported schools, summer camps and innovative learning initiatives benefiting thousands of children.

“We’re so proud to play a part in the educational and growth journey for so many children,” said Capital Blue Cross President and CEO Todd Shamash. “The programs Capital supports help children not only learn new things, but absorb them in new and nontraditional ways, and to have fun and lead healthier lives along the way. These grants exemplify the core of Capital Blue Cross’ mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

Among the educational programs Capital supports are: 

• Byrnes Health Education – York (EITC): Capital Blue Cross grants have for years helped the center’s programs teach children how to lead healthier lives. Capital also joined The GIANT Company in generously sponsoring the center’s recent refurbishment of the Nutrition and Fitness Learning Lab, which begins hosting children this fall.
• Outdoor Classroom – Fleetwood, Berks County (Live Healthy): This Willow Creek Elementary School program for kindergarten through fourth grade creates an outdoor educational space that promotes learning through hands-on interaction with nature.
• Salvation Army Harrisburg Summer Youth Enrichment (EITC): More than 300 children enjoyed an activity-packed 2023 summer with the help of Capital’s funding. The fun included coding, gardening, nutrition education, literacy camp, field trips and more.
• Pet Therapy – Elizabethtown School District, Lancaster County (Live Healthy): Specially trained dogs provide comfort, stress relief, and help decrease anxiety and depression for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

• Equi-librium’s Ride, Learn and Grow – Nazareth, Northampton County (EITC): This program on an 18-acre historic farm fosters learning and self-discovery through interactions between horses and humans. Equine assistance promotes personal and academic growth, and the program’s curriculum can be adapted to field trips, school visits and eight-week sessions on the premises.
• Mighty Milers – Carlisle Area School District, Cumberland County (Live Healthy): Encourages students to attend a weekly afterschool run/walk with family, friends, and school staff. The goal is for students to complete 15 to 25 miles over 10 weeks. Mini-lessons on nutrition and running begin each weekly gathering.
• Safe Berks Ready to Read Program – Berks County (EITC): The program helps to increase reading achievement for children in kindergarten through second grade.
  

About Capital Blue Cross

Capital Blue Cross serves a 21-county region in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley by offering health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind and promote health and wellness for our members. We focus on simplifying and personalizing the healthcare experience and using innovative solutions – including patient-focused care models, actionable data, and digital health technologies – to create healthier lives and lower healthcare costs. Our Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
JERRY REIMENSCHNEIDER
Senior Public Relations Specialist | Brand & Market Strategy
https://www.capbluecross.com/

 

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