The Mount Union Area Senior High School is one of the schools supported through initiatives funded by the Education Foundation.
By DELANEY RONK | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — The Mount Union Schools Education Foundation plays a vital role in expanding educational opportunities for students by connecting local generosity to meaningful causes. As a tax shelter, the foundation allows contributions from businesses and private individuals to go directly toward funding educational initiatives that benefit the Mount Union Area School District.
The foundation began in 2016 under the leadership of Dr. Brett Gilliand, former Mount Union superintendent, who recognized the potential a dedicated educational foundation could offer. Mount Union alumnus Michael Hummel, Director of the Mount Union Schools Education Foundation, worked closely with Linda Russo, a representative from the intermediate unit, to help establish the foundation.
Today, the foundation operates with a board of directors and officers who assume various responsibilities, including raising funds, identifying projects to pursue, and developing long-term goals alongside the district. Hummel explained, “The association identifies worthy causes within the district that could benefit from financial support.”
The foundation operates independently, which allows it to support projects based on donor or stakeholder interests and move more quickly when opportunities arise. The funding provided by the foundation is used to directly support students throughout the district. Hummel commented, “Funding is directly invested into initiatives, projects, curriculum, and resources. Students are directly impacted by this funding.”
There are many significant advantages to the foundation, including its ability to receive donations from businesses that wish to take advantage of various tax incentive deductions. This structure enables businesses to make contributions that directly benefit the district. In the past, the foundation has funded several initiatives related to STEM education.
One of the key benefits of the Education Foundation is that it can accept tax-deductible donations from both businesses and individuals. This allows local businesses and community members to support the district. In addition, the foundation has access to funding opportunities that are not available to the district itself, allowing it to provide resources and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Board member Nancy Corson noted, “We reorganized in September and October, and we have made tremendous progress. We are currently working on initiatives such as alumni spotlight articles with Ms. Susan Dimoff’s journalism class and brand and logo development in collaboration with Mrs. Teressa Bilger’s art club.”
Supporting the Mount Union Schools Education Foundation is a meaningful way to invest locally and support students within the district. Local businesses can choose to participate in programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal program, or contribute to other projects they find valuable. Hummel elaborated, “I would encourage them to investigate appropriate ways to potentially save on their taxes by investing locally, specifically by taking advantage of the EITC within our community.”
Corson added, “The Education Foundation is seeking alumni to be involved in this effort. It will take a village.”
Through continued community support, the Education Foundation hopes to expand opportunities for students throughout the district.
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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