In DeVos Hearing, Meuser Highlights Berks’ Conrad Weiser School District
WASHINGTON— Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9) on Wednesday highlighted Berks County's Conrad Weiser School District in a House Education and Labor Committee hearing with Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Meuser specifically cited the District's Ben Franklin Science Research Institute, which fosters education in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Meuser's questioning highlighted how the Education Department's Freedom Education Scholarships proposal could allow schools across the nation to create similar educational for students.
"In my district, Conrad Weiser School District created the Ben Franklin Science Research Institute to foster STEM education," said Meuser. "Secretary DeVos, I believe you are familiar with this program from your time serving as Chair of the Philanthropy Roundtable, and I certainly appreciate your support of this innovative program. Currently, the program uses non-profit funding to purchase research equipment and opportunities to showcase individual research. However, they are in the process of applying for utilization of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit, a Pennsylvania program that offers corporations tax credits for donating to organizations such as this impressive STEM program.
"I know that the Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit will help this program grow and improve – can you speak to how your Education Freedom Scholarships proposal would allow schools across the nation to create similar opportunities for their students?," Meuser asked DeVos.
In her response, DeVos explained how the Education Freedom Scholarships initiative will benefit Pennsylvania students.
"The Education Freedom Scholarships will improve education for all students…it would provide states like Pennsylvania or any other state that opted to be a part of it create new options and new opportunities. The programs you're referring to could be part of a menu of choices available to students in Pennsylvania for their futures and to find their right niche...for their future.," said Secretary DeVos.
Meuser agreed with the Secretary on the value of the program.
"They will be very helpful and will be put to good and very important use for thousands of students," said Meuser.