The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE) is an approved Educational Improvement Organization under Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. This designation recognizes our educational programs as enhancing the curriculum of public schools and offers generous tax credits to businesses that support these programs.

Eligible businesses can apply to receive tax credits equal to 75% of their contribution (up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year). Those who agree to provide the same amount for two consecutive tax years can receive 90% of the contribution as a tax credit.

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Is my business eligible?
Businesses in Pennsylvania that are subject to one or more of the following taxes are invited to apply to the EITC program:
  • Corporate net income tax
  • Capital stock franchise tax
  • Bank and trust company shares tax
  • Title insurance companies shares tax
  • Insurance premiums tax
  • Mutual thrift institution tax
  • Insurance Company Law of 1921
  • Personal income tax of S corporation shareholders
  • Personal income tax of S partnership partners
Your EITC-eligible contribution to the CFSRE will help support the following programs for students in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Forensics on the Fly (11th & 12th Graders)
The CFSRE proudly offers our exciting program, Forensics on the Fly (FOF). FOF provides an in-depth exploration into the world of forensic science, consisting of five comprehensive modules focusing on three core areas of forensic science: chemistry, biology, and toxicology. Each module is meticulously designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge through lectures and hands-on application via interactive laboratory sessions.

Students engage in data analysis, where they interpret results, make data-driven conclusions, and produce detailed reports on their findings. The immediate output of our program is the completion of these reports and the development of analytical skills. Students demonstrate a significant enhancement in their understanding of forensic methodologies, improved critical thinking, and heightened proficiency in data interpretation in STEM fields. Their increased skills and knowledge equip them for potential careers in the field.

Students also benefit from the opportunity to come on-site to CFSRE for an interactive field trip experience with our working forensic professionals. Students rotate between three stations where they participate in hands-on activities which include drug color testing, fingerprinting, and body fluid identification utilizing an alternative light source utilizing the information and skills gained during their in-class modules. Prior to leaving, we have students meet with local college representatives (including Lincoln University) to discuss programs, scholarships, and grant funding directly with the admission staff. Also, the students take a tour of NMS Labs, a for-profit forensic company, and meet with the HR department to learn more about employment options directly after high school and their tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees. Our staff continues to provide mentoring and support once students complete FOF and help to solidify the pipeline into a STEM career.

How to Apply
Businesses can find application information on the EITC program page of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s website.

For more information, contact Carrie Barron, Director of Operations, 443-315-3941.