Scholarship Program Will Expand K-12 Opportunities, Empower Parents and Prioritize Individual Students’ Needs in Both Public and Private Schools
Denver, CO – Today, Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D-CO) joined students, families, education leaders and scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) gathered in Denver to celebrate Colorado’s participation in the new federal tax credit scholarship program, a landmark initiative designed to expand access to K–12 educational opportunities and resources for families across the state.
Hosted by Invest in Education Foundation, the press conference highlighted the impact of Governor Polis’ decision to have Colorado opt in to the program earlier this year, making it the first state with a Democrat governor to do so. The program is expected to unlock millions of dollars in new funding for middle- and low-income families, empowering them to better meet their children’s educational needs.
Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the federal tax credit scholarship program, effective in January 2027, will incentivize private donations to SGOs, which provide scholarships to eligible students. Donors will receive a 100 percent federal tax credit, up to $1,700 annually, that will drive sustained investment in student educational opportunities.
The program is designed to serve students across all educational settings. Students could use scholarships for tuition, fees, tutoring, special needs services, extended day programs, or education technology, among other eligible uses.
At today’s event, Governor Polis stated, “Opting in was really a no brainer for me. I always believe that anything we can do to get more funds and support for the kids of Colorado, we should do. I want to maximize participation in Colorado and embrace these resources. I’m personally excited that Colorado is one of the leading states in helping to build awareness around this exciting opportunity to boost charitable giving to help our kids.”
“These scholarships represent a transformative opportunity for families,” said Anne Lesser, President and CEO of Invest in Education Foundation. “We are thankful for Governor Polis’ leadership and his commitment to K-12 students in Colorado. By expanding access to vital educational resources, the governor is ensuring that more students, regardless of zip code, can access the support they need to succeed.”
“Colorado families deserve access to educational resources that meet the unique needs of their children, and this new federal tax credit scholarship program will expand financial support for all K-12 students across the state,” said Erik Billinger, Chief Development Officer at ACE Scholarships. “We are grateful to Governor Polis for allowing Colorado to participate in the Education Freedom Tax Credit and recognizing the importance of giving families greater flexibility and help.”
“Every family should have the opportunity to pursue the educational path that best supports their child’s academic, spiritual and personal growth,” said Tricia Sullivan, Executive Director of Seeds of Hope. “We appreciate Governor Polis’ leadership in expanding scholarship access that will make a meaningful difference for Colorado families seeking educational options and brighter futures for their children.”
“As a parent, you want to give your child every possible opportunity to succeed, but for many families, the cost of accessing the right educational environment can feel out of reach,” said Eliza Love, a local Colorado parent. “This federal tax credit scholarship program will make a real difference for families like mine by expanding access to the schools and educational support our children need to thrive. I’m grateful to Governor Polis for opting Colorado into the program.”
Governor Polis previously underscored the significance of the program, noting its potential to “close the achievement gap and provide real opportunities for kids across the state.”
Colorado families and education advocates are optimistic about the program’s long-term impact by expanding opportunity, strengthening support systems and placing parents at the center of education decisions.
Learn More at: https://scholarshiptaxcredit.org/
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About Invest in Education Foundation:
Invest in Education Foundation (IIEF) is a non-partisan research and policy 501(c)(3) organization that educates the public and policymakers about the federal tax credit scholarship program as a means to expand educational freedom and opportunity for K-12 parents and students.