Community Corner: Mid Penn Bank’s $8,000 Gift Puts Berks County Preschoolers First
There is a special kind of good news that lights up a community, and this week, it came in the form of an $8,000 donation aimed directly at helping the youngest learners in Berks County. Mid Penn Bank has contributed the generous sum to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, a move that is set to expand access to high-quality early education for local children who need it most.
This isn’t just a standard corporate gift. The funds were specifically directed through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, known as EITC, which allows eligible businesses to channel their tax dollars toward proven educational initiatives. For the YMCA, this investment will directly support its Preschool Scholarship Organization, providing essential funding for scholarships and classroom resources at their Early Learning Centers in Reading and Richmond.
For many working families, the cost of full-time, quality childcare can be a major hurdle. This contribution helps clear that path, ensuring more children can attend facilities that are rated STAR-4, the highest designation for quality programming recognized by the state through PA Keystone Stars. A STAR-4 rating means these kids are getting a top-notch educational foundation, setting them up for a lifetime of success.
“Expanding access is crucial, and using EITC as a tool to make a local impact is smart,” said Phillip Borup, President and CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. “Not only does this make a big difference for our kids and their families, but it will also have a positive impact on the entire community for years to come.”
Mid Penn Bank has made community investment a core part of its identity, which is why a donation supporting early education aligns perfectly with their mission. The bank has a significant footprint in the area, with financial centers right in Berks County, including locations in Muhlenberg, Sinking Spring, and Wyomissing. This latest donation is part of a larger, ongoing commitment to education; the bank contributed over $833,000 in EITC funding alone in 2023 to various educational institutions.
The gift does more than just fill a classroom bookshelf. By providing reliable, high-quality learning opportunities, the YMCA also helps to stabilize working families, supporting parents’ ability to work and contribute to the local economy. It’s an investment in both the future workforce and the current well-being of the community.
Of course, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is a pillar of the community, offering programs that go far beyond early childhood education. From aquatics and youth sports to social services like the Men’s Bridge program, which assists individuals in recovery, the organization touches lives at every stage. This new funding underscores the critical link between corporate partnership and non-profit success, demonstrating how shared priorities can lead to powerful, tangible change for local residents.
As Vice President of Youth Development Shelley Eppihimer put it, the goal is simple yet profound: “Our young learners have an academic advantage, setting them up for a lifetime of success, whether their parents can afford it or not.” Thanks to Mid Penn Bank, that advantage is now a reality for more kids across the region.