DED approves tax credits for Springfield organizations

The OTC Foundation will receive $183,466 in credits.

The Foundation will use the credits to open Missouri’s first middle college, designed for underperforming high school students who have the potential to remain in school in a nontraditional setting, according to a news release from Gov. Matt Blunt’s office. At-risk youth will be able to earn a high school diploma and college credits, and participate in internships in the early childhood or diesel/automotive technology fields.

The Arc of the Ozarks, meanwhile, will receive $100,000 in credits, which will be used in a capital campaign that will fund renovation of The Arc’s activity center, according to a separate release.

The Arc offers services to individuals with developmental disabilities, including specialized help for young people through its supported employment program, education and recreation programming and residential services.

The Youth Opportunities Program provides tax credits to organizations that administer positive youth development or crime prevention programs, according to the release.