Neighborhood Assistance Program

Outreach has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). NAP is a tax credit program to encourage businesses to invest in projects that improve distressed areas. 

Outreach provides job training through the Lead, Educate, and Develop (LEAD) Center to vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on incarcerated individuals and at-risk populations. Outreach works closely with individuals involved with the Men’s, Women’s, and Veterans Treatment Court in Lackawanna County to assist with workforce development training and provide connections to second-chance employers throughout the region. 

Justice-involved populations are prone to challenges in attaining employment, and Outeach career services help to remove barriers toward economic self-sufficiency and family stability. 

For businesses, supporting Outreach’s NAP-approved program will provide eligibility to receive tax credits of up to 90% for their contributions. These flexible tax credits can be used, carried forward for five years, sold, or passed through shareholders, members, or partners. 

Further information regarding NAP can be found on the PA DCED’s website.

Neighborhood Assistance Program Partners

Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program

Outreach is approved as an Educational Improvement Organization through Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC). 

Outreach utilizes EITC funding to support the Skyview Afterschool STEAM program at the Skyview Park Apartment Complex and STEM career exploration and educational development for juveniles at the Outreach Young Adult Center. 

The Skyview Afterschool STEAM program provides weekly educational, hands-on activities for elementary-aged children in the Scranton School District. Outreach staff work with the students to complete academic assignments and then engage in STEAM-focused activities, including slime making, paper airplane construction and testing, solar system dioramas, popsicle bridges, and much more. 

Juveniles at the Young Adult Center (ages 14 – 18) are engaged with STEM-focused career exploration and educational development. They use technologically advanced virtual reality software and equipment to simulate real work experiences. This program builds career readiness, allows for career exploration, and aligns with the Future Ready PA Index standards. 

For businesses, supporting Outreach’s EITC-approved programming provides eligibility to receive tax credits equal to 75% of the contribution. This tax credit can be increased to 90% of the contribution if the business agrees to provide the amount for two consecutive years.

Further information regarding EITC can be found on the PA DCED’s website. 

Interested in learning more? 

For more information on supporting Outreach, contact Liz Ratchford, Community Outreach and Resource Development Director, at 570-558-7562 or at lratchford@outreachworks.org to set up a time to meet and discuss a potential partnership.