For Jacob Lerman (Falk Class of 2012), returning to visit Falk Laboratory School in the fall of 2023 was a powerful experience.

In addition to walking the same halls he last passed through more than a decade earlier, Jacob had the chance to reconnect with Social Studies teacher Greg Wittig and Science teacher Eileen Coughlin, both of whom had made a lasting impression on him.

But the most powerful reconnection Jacob made was with Donna Priore, Falk’s longtime educator who retired in 2020. The two had worked closely during Jacob’s time at Falk, and it was her personal interest in Jacob and others that led to the establishment of the Donna Priore Fund to provide enduring support for training faculty and staff on topics relating to teaching students with special needs.

The Lerman family are among Falk’s longest and most consistent contributors.

It was Terry, Jacob’s father, who in 2009 introduced Falk to the untapped potential of corporate giving through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs allow Pennsylvania companies to make gifts to Falk and reduce their tax burden in the process.

Since Falk began participating in the EITC and OSTC programs in 2009, annual gifts have grown from $23,000 to $160,000.

“We hope to grow it more each year,” says Laurie Hess, Falk’s manager of constituent relations.

She adds that this form of support is especially meaningful because all the funds given through these programs provide tuition assistance to families who might otherwise be unable to afford a Falk education.

“Falk is such a wonderful school that it deserves our support,” says Terry.