Several local companies have started the New Year in the spirit of giving, and are supporting Chester County Futures, a nonprofit that encourages economically disadvantaged youth to succeed in school and pursue higher education, writes Brian McCullough for the Daily Local News.

SEI Investments Company led the charge with a $15,500 contribution, followed by Teva Pharmaceuticals, which donated $10,000. First Resource Bank, with branches in Exton and West Chester, made a donation of $2,000.

They now join other businesses that have already made financial contributions to the nonprofit since Oct. 1 last year. Some of these include a $12,500 donation by PECO, a $10,000 contribution made by DNB First. Also, First Priority Bank and Malvern’s Meridian Bank each made a $5,000 donation.

Thanks to the donations, Chester County Futures will be able to provide STEM-related programs for economically disadvantaged students attending middle and high school, according to Future’s Executive Director Maria McDonald.

“Funds that we’ve received from companies have had a significant impact on our operating budget, allowing us to continue our services without minimizing our programs,” said McDonald.

Read more about the donations in the Daily Local News here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of Chester County Futures here.