CAC receives EITC donation from First Citizens Community Bank
Friday, January 31, 2025
Community Arts Center is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 donation from First Citizens Community Bank as part of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
The historic 2,100-seat venue is designated as an Educational Improvement Organization under the EITC program through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for providing high quality, innovative educational programs.

Marking the donation of $15,000 from First Citizens Community Bank to the Community Arts Center are (from left): Jim Dougherty, executive director, CAC; Matthew DeSanto, relationship manager associate, FCCB; Weslee Delker, branch manager, FCCB; and Ana Gonzalez-White, college relations officer for CAC development.
Each year, the CAC produces a Student Summer Stock musical or drama for area junior and high school students; the project includes over eight weeks of daily rehearsals and culminates with three days of performances in late July. Another highly engaging and experience-enriching student opportunity offered by the CAC is the annual holiday production of “The Nutcracker.” This collaboration with Saint John’s School of the Arts Dance ensemble and Williamsport Youth Choir includes more than 125 K-12 ballet dancers and musicians. And annually since 2007, the CAC has provided thousands of students access to exceptional arts programming through its Educational Series that enhances the classroom curriculum of nine school districts.
"We are deeply committed to building stronger communities through education," said Randy Black, president and CEO of FCCB. "These partnerships with local organizations reflect our ongoing dedication to fostering a brighter future for the regions we serve, ensuring that all students and families have the resources they need to succeed."
The EITC program provides tax credits to eligible companies that do business in the state when they contribute to scholarship organizations, educational improvement organizations and/or pre-kindergarten scholarship organizations.
"This generous contribution from First Citizens Community Bank will be indispensable in supporting programs like our annual Educational Series. We’re very grateful for this funding, which will allow us to continue to present quality content to learners throughout north central Pennsylvania," said Jim Dougherty, executive director of the CAC.
Funding for the educational programs is derived from various sources, including EITC Funds, donations, corporate sponsorships and grants.
"The support the Community Arts Center receives from the business community allows us to engage the youth in enriching ways. And, for many, it is also the first time they have been in the CAC," said Ana Gonzalez-White, college relations officer for CAC development. "We are very grateful to First Citizens Community Bank for their commitment."
For more information about giving opportunities at the CAC, call Gonzalez-White at 570-327-7657 or email.
The Community Arts Center is owned and operated by Pennsylvania College of Technology, a national leader in applied technology education.