Chamber Foundation

EITC Funded Technology Innovation Challenge Grants for Educators

Technology grants for teachers in Franklin County public schools are awarded annually to encourage the innovative use of technology in grades K-12. The Foundation offers the Technology Innovation Challenge Grants to educators in all public school districts thanks to EITC contributions from area businesses.

The 2025 grant applications are open and the deadline Monday April 21, 2025 - click here for packet/information

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2024 Grant Awards

Brick to Brains Project: Waynesboro Mowrey Elementary, Grades K-> Keith McCray – Instructional Technology Specialist

SUMMARY: The purpose of the Bricks to Brain Project is to introduce the LEGO Robotic system into elementary classrooms to increase student engagement, encourage collaboration, promote perseverance, and provide learners the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of content. Students will be engaged in engineering, data analysis, and communication while developing critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Through the introduction of the LEGO Robotics platforms, it is our objective to increase engagement, improve differentiated instruction to increase the success of “at-risk” students, as well as improve motivation and increase interest in learning. By programming machines, students can discover if their aptitudes and interests correspond to those skills that will define the job market of the future, like programming, science technology, or engineering. Working on a codable machine stimulates students to build their engineering intuition and emphasizes meaningful problem-based learning through the integration and application of their knowledge. Strategic problem-solving, computational thinking, higher-order thinking, logical and analytical reasoning

Digital Electronics Project: Waynesboro Area Senior High School, Grades 9-12 > Jordan Fisher – Technology Education

SUMMARY: The Digital Electronics project is a hands-on course where students will experience working with digital electronic components, soldering applications, microcontrollers, microprocessors, programming, and the science/theory behind digital electronics. Students involved with this project will have the ability to explore the fields of electronics, computers, and/or engineering. Learners will then be able to advance through engineering design processes and use technical skills learned to connect to added value curriculum and the new technology and engineering standards being implemented by the state.  This project helps students better prepare for the growing career paths within this field and possibly ignites an interest in furthering their education in the associated fields.

Hydroponics Farm Project: Chambersburg Magnet School, Grades 9-12 > Matthew Delaney – Environmental Science and Amanda Zalenski - Chemistry

SUMMARY: The Hydroponics Farm Project will introduce CMS students and staff to indoor hydroponics and the process of self-sustainably. The Flex Farm system will be used across various content areas including biology, chemistry, human biotech, and environmental science classes. Additionally, it will also support various clubs/organizations including the science club, environmental club, and Key club.

The goal of the project is to provide students with hands-on learning experiences regarding the importance of sustainable farming practices, accounting, and experimental design that align with the new PA STEELS (Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability) standards.

Robotics Enhancement Project: Shippensburg Area Senior High School, Grades 9-12> Mylinda Fowler – Technology & Engineering Education Teacher

SUMMARY: The Robotics Enhancement Project will provide advanced robotics technology, introducing a new level of innovation and hands-on learning to the technology and engineering curriculum. This initiative aims to provide students with practical experience in programming, engineering, and problem-solving, using modern robots that align with current industry standards.

The new equipment will be integrated into the robotics course curriculum, facilitating new activities such as building and programming robots, conducting experiments, and solving real-world engineering challenges. This hands-on approach will significantly enhance students' understanding of STEM concepts and improve their readiness for future careers in technology and engineering fields.

2023 Grants Funded 

2022 Grants Funded

2021 Grants Funded

EITC Contribution Partners

Contributing businesses are eligible for Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). As an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO), the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation partners with area businesses to provide these grant dollars. Since 1999 the Chamber Foundation has funded $487,331 in technology grants from this program.

The Foundation grant program is supported through generous EITC funds from Orrstown Bank, Starr Insurance LLC., Truist, and UPMC.

                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IceFest is the largest community event in Chambersburg and draws thousands from the region to Downtown Chambersburg. It is organized by three nonprofit organizations: Downtown Chambersburg, Inc; The Downtown Business Council, and The Chambersburg Council for the Arts. Check out icefestpa.com for event information.

Run Your Ice Off 5K (RYIO) is one of the last IceFest events organized by Leadership Franklin County Alumni. Event proceeds support IceFest, Leadership Franklin County, and several other area nonprofits. Please note that while every effort will be made to race, in the case of extreme weather, the event may always be canceled for safety.

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2025 Sponsors (1.3.2025):

Race Sponsor -  Rodney B. Smith Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc., Rotary Club of Chambersburg

Race Medal Sponsor - Patriot Federal Credit Union

Race Shirt Sponsor - Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Eric Alleman

Mile Marker Sponsors - ACNB Bank, Brad Etchberger, CPA,  Brightspeed Business, ELM Shoes, Keystone Health, McCoy Auto Sales, McCoy Leadership & Consulting, Phoenix Physical Therapy

Supporting Sponsors - Abe's Auto Service Inc., Bartlett Tree Experts, F&M Trust, Forrester Lincoln, Front Porch Fitness, Orrstown Bank, Peculiar Pizza, Rockwell Construction Co., Inc., Starr Insurance LLC., Sunny Hill Properties, The Advisors at Cornerstone Financial, Volvo Construction Equipment Foundation

Sponsors - The Butcher Shoppe, R&R Preferred Rentals, SEK CPAs & Advisors

Water Sponsor - Negley's Water

 

 

Since 1985 over 925 area residents have graduated from the adult and youth Leadership Franklin County (LFC) programs.  LFC Community serves our adult leaders in the county and 2009 LFC expanded with the addition of our LFC Youth program providing more opportunities for leadership skill development to a broader audience.

Designed and delivered by a dedicated base of community volunteer business leaders, our LFC programs provide a unique venue for personal and professional development. LFC steering committees (most members are LFC alumni) deliver these quality programs year after year.  Graduates continue to volunteer all over our county and participate in our active LFC Alumni group.

For more information on the program and application information, visit our website Chambersburg.org/Leadership, or contact Ginny Harriger at gharriger@chambersburg.org

Follow Leadership Franklin County on Facebook or Leadership Franklin County on LinkedIn

 

LFC COMMUNITY

LFC Community is the flagship leadership program with this mission -- “Developing an inclusive continuum of civic leaders engaged in the advancement of the quality of life in Franklin County” Participants are taken through a nine month course where they learn about leadership and their community.

For more information and to apply for the Leadership Franklin County Community program, click here. 

LFC Community is sponsored by F&M Trust.

LFC YOUTH

LFC Youth began in 2009 with the mission "To create a community of young people who are actively engaged in responsible, ethical and effective leadership".

Key curriculum components of LFCY include: The Five Practices of Exemplary Student Leadership: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, Encourage the Heart PLUS learning in public speaking, diversity & inclusion, and service learning in our community.

For more information and to apply for the Leadership Franklin County Youth program, click here.

LFC Youth is sponsored by Wilson College.

 

LFC ALUMNI

LFC Alumni are graduates of our LFC Community program who stay involved in the community long after their class has graduated. LFC Alumni can connect via their LFC Alumni Facebook Group or can learn about other alumni activities by contacting Alumni Committee Chair Angi Quigley at aquigley@sek.com

LFC Alumni want to increase the participation of local professionals in community organizations which will advance the community's quality and growth.  Check out this directory for non-profit, non-paid leadership organization boards and committees in Franklin County.

LFC Alumni also work with the IceFestPa committee hosting the Run Your Ice Off 5k   

Annually, an LFC Alumni of the Year award is given to acknowledge one alumna's accomplishments within the community.

 

July 13, 2024

 

Presented by ACNB Bank, Scoop-a-Palooza is a ticketed all-you-can-eat ice cream festival that benefits the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation.  2024 Scoop was held on Saturday, July 13 from 10:30 am-2 pm at Chambersburg Area Senior High School in the CASHS Cafeteria. Participants sampled all the ice cream/ices they liked from a variety of area vendors and voted for their favorites!  Families enjoyed the enhanced Kids' Activity area which also has resources for children, youth, and families.

THANK YOU to businesses and community members who support Scoop. All proceeds benefit educational programs throughout Franklin County funded by the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation.

 

Visit our Scoop website or our Scoop Facebook page to learn about our event

Thank you to our 2024 sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor - ACNB Bank

Triple Scoop Sponsors -  Starr Insurance, The Floor Trader Outlet - Chambersburg, Tommy's Express Car Wash, Volvo Construction Equipment North America, WellSpan Health

Double Scoop Sponsors -   Chick-fil-A Chambersburg, Corning Credit Union, Patriot Federal Credit Union

Single Scoop Sponsors - Chambersburg Noontime Lions, SEK CPAs & Advisors

Baby Scoop Sponsors - Mercy House of Chambersburg, Nicole Scott, Realtor, RE/MAX Realty Agency

 

 

 

 

The  Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the Cumberland Valley Business Alliance, launched a regional job board in January 2022.  Click here for CVBA Job Board

The new job board allows CVBA members to post job listings for free through the Member Portal.  Members have complete control over the listing's content and can adjust how long it will be available to view.  The user-friendly interface delivers more value to the CVBA membership and is actively promoted to local job applicants through social media, organic web searches, local news outlets, and more.   Instructions on how CVBA members can post are found here

WellSpan Health is the GCCF Workforce Development Sponsor, powering the CVBA Job Board