Second Century Scholarship Fund 124 Logan Boulevard Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 www.SecondCenturyFund.org

May 27, 2009

Dear Parent / Guardian,

Since 2002 the Second Century Scholarship Fund has provided 4,766 tuition assistance scholarships to students attending Catholic Schools throughout the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. The total value of these scholarships was $2.5 million dollars, virtually all having been funded by businesses participating in the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, or EITC. Permit me, please, to present you with two important requests for your consideration.

I have learned that the Pennsylvania Senate has passed budget bill SB850 that will reduce the EITC program by $35 million dollars. Of this reduction, $12 million would be removed from the portion that businesses access to support our Catholic pre-schools, elementary schools and high schools. Now is the time to voice your support of the EITC program – especially how it benefits families and students of our local Catholic schools.

Please encourage both your state senator and your state representative to keep the funding intact for this innovative program as soon as you are able. You can contact them from the internet. Go to www.PaSchoolChoice.org and click on the “Contact Your Legislator” link in the left margin and follow the instructions. Or, you can identify your legislators on the official web site of the PA General Assembly at www.legis.state.pa.us. [Enter your zip code at upper right.]

The Second Century Fund is poised to award a record $904,000 in tuition assistance to 872 students this fall. The business community’s response has been remarkable. However, another 658 students are waiting for tuition assistance; their total need is $1.8 million dollars.

We can provide scholarships to students at your school if local businesses (and employers) earn tax credits before the current cycle ends on June 30. Virtually all types of businesses except sole proprietorships may be able to earn tax credits which could allow them to provide a $500 scholarship with less than $50 out-of-pocket. Honest. Please ask your employer and local businesses to claim tax credits before June 30; direct them to www.SecondCenturyFund.org for program details.

Thank you in advance for joining me in my passionate commitment to secure scholarships for all eligible students, and thank you for the incredible sacrifices you make to give your child(ren) a Catholic Education. May you have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Gratefully yours,

Diocesan Director of Development