Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission Recognizes NPC, Inc. for its Commitment to Early Education

 CLAYSBURG, PA, June 16, 2021− NPC, Inc. (NPC), a full-service print and related communications provider, announced that it is has received the “Small Business in Caring” award from the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission (PA ELIC). The company was among four businesses honored during the 2021 Early Learning Economic Virtual Summit on June 2. Former PA Governor Mark Schweiker showcased each honoree and introduced “Investments in Caring PA,” the Commission’s latest initiative to expand educational access throughout the Commonwealth.

The PA ELIC recognizes and celebrates businesses that invest in their working families and childcare within their community through fundamental yet innovative practices and policies. Therefore, the Commission called for nominations to fill the “Investments in Caring PA” awards recognition categories of excellence, innovation, small business, and response. Nominated companies must demonstrate, empower, and invest in young children’s educational future through a combination of childcare assistance, impact on the childcare community, and innovative approaches to its local learning community. Most importantly, it must show the implementation of these strategies as an essential piece of its workforce infrastructure.

The Small Business in Caring award is presented to a small business that has been a demonstrated leader in these areas and has a proven commitment to its current and future workforce. NPC fosters a family-friendly corporate culture with people-focused policies and practices, flexible/remote schedules, family leave, and an employee assistance program.

The company’s commitment extends into its local community. Through a longstanding partnership with the Claysburg Kimmel school district (CKSD) and the Claysburg Education Foundation, NPC utilized Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funds to pilot a preschool program through The Learning Lamp. As a result, families in the CKSD who earn less than $100,000 annually are eligible to send their children for free on scholarship. In addition, priority registration is available to all NPC employees’ children, even if they fall outside the district.

The 2020-2021 school year was the first for the preschool, proving to be a success.

A student’s parent agreed, “Throughout the year, I have seen tremendous growth in my child. She is starting to understand everything around her better, and she has become more sociable with others. This program has effectively prepared her for her future education.”

“We are absolutely honored to receive this award from the Commission,” said Krissa Weyant, executive assistant & human resources specialist. She added, “It is outside of our comfort zone as we typically try not to draw attention to the things that we do for the community… because that is not why we do them.”

Mark Barnhart, NPC owner and chairman of the board, added, “Since 1954, NPC has maintained a ‘people first’ philosophy with a rich history of community involvement. We understand that when businesses invest in learning opportunities for employees, working families, and local community, it creates a mutuality of benefit and inspires a bright outlook for tomorrow’s workforce.”

­”It starts with building a foundation for early learning so that children have a platform for success as they move forward. It is an honor to contribute to their future,” Krissa Weyant.

In addition to NPC, award recipients included Benco Dental of Pittson, Computer Aid Inc. of Allentown, and Lewisburg Hospital.

ABOUT THE PENNSYLVANIA EARLY LEARNING INVESTMENT COMMISSION – The PA ELIC is a partnership of business leaders dedicated to making the success of every child in Pennsylvania a top priority. They work to improve tomorrow’s economy through smart policy and investment in today’s young children by fostering public and private sector investment in educationally, economically, and scientifically sound early learning programs. For additional information, visit paearlylearning.com.

ABOUT NPC, INC. – Privately owned and operated for over six decades, NPC, Inc. is a leader in the integration of print, mail & digital communications for government and commercial industries. By combining innovative processes, secure workflows, and operational expertise, NPC offers simplified solutions to managing and disseminating business-critical communications programs. Learn more at www.npcweb.com.