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ACSI Children’s Tuition Fund Celebrates New York Opting into Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Children’s Tuition Fund (CTF) celebrates New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to opt New York into the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) program, creating expanded educational opportunities for families across the state.
Beginning January 1, 2027, the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit will allow taxpayers to redirect up to $1,700 in federal income taxes already owed into Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), helping provide scholarships and educational assistance for eligible K–12 students.
For months, Christian schools, faith leaders, education advocates, and families across New York encouraged state leaders to opt into the program so scholarship opportunities would benefit New York students rather than flow to other participating states.
With Governor Hochul’s decision to opt in, New York becomes the 30th state to participate in the program and only the second Democrat-led state to do so. New York now joins a growing coalition of states expanding school choice opportunities, alongside Alabama, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia, where CTF currently facilitates scholarship tax credit programs.
Temple Weiss, President of the ACSI Education Foundation, emphasized the impact New York’s participation will have on families.
“This is a significant moment for students and families throughout New York,” he said. “Governor Hochul’s decision helps create greater access to educational opportunity and empowers families to pursue the learning environment that best supports their children academically and spiritually.”
The ACSI Children’s Tuition Fund has more than 20 years of experience operating scholarship programs and has awarded more than $100 million in scholarships through state-based initiatives. As the federal program launches nationally, CTF is preparing to serve schools and families across the country through its “Every Student. Every State.” campaign.
“We believe every child should have the opportunity to flourish academically and spiritually,” Weiss said. “This new federal tax credit creates a pathway for more families to access Christ-centered education and helps close the tuition gap that places Christian education out of reach for many families.”
ACSI CTF will continue providing resources, implementation guidance, and communication tools to help schools, churches, donors, and families understand how the program works as federal regulations are finalized in the months ahead.
To learn more about the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit and the ACSI Children’s Tuition Fund, visit EveryStudentEveryState.com.
About Children’s Tuition Fund (CTF):
Children’s Tuition Fund (CTF), a ministry of ACSI, exists to advance and resource educational freedom for parents who desire a Christ-centered education for their children. CTF works in partnership with schools, contributors, and parents to bless students by offering relationship-oriented financial assistance through these programs. CTF is also poised to facilitate the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship that will launch January 2027. CTF continues to expand and advocates for school choice programs that will allow an increasing number of students to have a choice in deciding on the school that is right for them.
About the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI):
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.