Mars Planet Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt corporation that serves to develop, promote and finance educational programs, activities and projects within Mars Area School District.

Businesses interested in contributing to Mars Planet Foundation may do so directly or through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC), which promotes expanded educational opportunities for students in schools throughout the Commonwealth.

The EITC program offers a tax credit to eligible businesses that contribute cash, personal property, and/or services to an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO), such as Mars Planet Foundation, or to another approved scholarship organization. (More information regarding the EITC program is available online at https://dced.pa.gov/programs/educational-improvement-tax-credit-program-eitc/.)

Donations to Mars Planet Foundation, which are tax deductible, are used to enhance educational opportunities and supplement classroom learning for all Mars Area students. Contributions may apply to technology, literacy, scholarships, projects/programs, staff development and other activities.

Each school year, the foundation awards Teaching Enrichment Grants to Mars Area teachers/staff members to provide unique educational opportunities that are not part of the current curriculum and to maximize learning initiatives.

Most recently, the foundation awarded grants to fund a “Media Center Collaboration Space” and a “Transforming iPads into Creation Studios” project at Mars Area Centennial School; to purchase additional banners in support of the “Rachel’s Challenge” positive school culture program; and to purchase materials for “Welcome to Mars” gift bags that will be distributed to new students enrolling in Grades 7-12.

For more information, visit www.marsplanetfoundation.org.