AAA Scholarship Foundation

We Make Academic Achievement Accessible

888.707.2465 | info@aaascholarships.org

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Florida’s Scholarships are a Win for Every Child

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Consider a parent in a working-class neighborhood who has heard about a nearby school with smaller classes, dedicated teachers, and a strong community culture. At nearly $10,000 a year in tuition, enrollment is simply not a financial possibility. A scholarship changes that equation entirely.

That experience represents the promise at the center of Florida’s education choice journey. A major new study has now validated that promise with 15 years of rigorous data. At AAA Scholarship Foundation, we are honored that our team played a role in that story alongside thousands of families across Florida and beyond.

Fifteen Years of Evidence

A newly published research synthesis by Patrick Graff, Ph.D., Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children, featured in Education Next, (link to article) examined a fundamental question in education policy: does funding school choice produce better outcomes than simply increasing public school budgets? Drawing on 15 years of Florida data, the findings are unambiguous.

As Florida’s tax credit scholarship program scaled from approximately 15,000 students to more than 100,000, student achievement gains were, conservatively, more than 11 times greater than what equivalent general spending increases would have produced. The same investment. Dramatically stronger results.

Broader Benefits Across the System

A reasonable and frequently asked question concerns students who remain in public schools. The evidence on this point is equally encouraging. As private school scholarship enrollment grew in Florida, students in nearby public schools posted measurable improvements as well, including higher standardized test scores, reduced absenteeism, and lower suspension rates.

Of 29 research studies examining these competitive effects nationally, 26 identified positive outcomes for public school students. The pattern is consistent: when families have access to meaningful educational options, the entire system is motivated to improve.

The cumulative results in Florida speak for themselves. With half a million students now enrolled across the state’s private school choice programs, Florida’s public school students continue to outperform the national average while the state spends significantly less per pupil than most. Among low-income fourth graders, Florida ranks among the top states in the nation in both reading and math.

AAA Scholarship Foundation’s Role

AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of only two Scholarship Funding Organizations in Florida currently authorized to administer the state’s educational choice scholarships. That distinction carries significant responsibility, and we take it seriously.

Our reach extends well beyond Florida. We serve families in multiple states, connecting students from lower-income households with educational environments suited to their individual needs, whether that means a faith-based setting, a specialized instructional approach, or simply a school that is a stronger fit. The research affirms what our work demonstrates daily: when families are empowered with genuine choices and schools are accountable to the families they serve, outcomes improve.

A Sound Investment in Students

For our donors and supporters, Florida’s data offers well-earned confidence. Contributions to AAA Scholarship Foundation do more than open doors for individual students. They support a model that has been shown to strengthen educational quality across entire communities.

Over the 15-year period studied, Florida’s scholarship program generated the equivalent of 120 additional days of learning in reading. Producing equivalent gains through general spending increases would have required more than $31 billion, more than ten times the actual cost of the scholarship program. That is a meaningful measure of impact, and it reflects the kind of responsible, effective investment in children that guides our work.

Looking Ahead

Florida’s results are attracting well-deserved attention, and other states are actively exploring similar approaches. AAA Scholarship Foundation is committed to supporting that momentum, expanding access to quality educational options for more families in more places.

The foundation of this work is a straightforward conviction: a child’s zip code or family income should not be the primary determinant of educational opportunity. We are deeply grateful to the donors, advocates, and families who hold that conviction alongside us and make it possible to act on it every day.

The evidence is clear. The work continues.

 

Want to learn more about AAA Scholarship Foundation’s work or support educational choice for families in need? Visit www.aaascholarships.org.

AAA Scholarship Foundation Is Here for Florida Families Affected by the Step Up for Students Lawsuit

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Message to Florida families denied funding by Step Up for Students (“SUFS”) or impacted by the lawsuit that was filed by participating schools against SUFS:

We want you to know one thing above all else: you are not alone. There are options available to your family.

A complaint was recently filed in Duval County Circuit Court by seven Florida private schools alleging that Step Up for Students repeatedly failed to disburse approved scholarship funds on time — or in some cases, at all. According to the lawsuit, delays stretched from 90 days to over a year, leaving schools serving students with disabilities and families with limited financial resources in an incredibly difficult position. Some schools were forced to cut programs, reduce staff, or close their doors entirely.

We understand how unsettling this news can be, especially for families who rely on scholarship funding to access the right educational environment for their child.

AAA Scholarship Foundation is here to help.

AAA Scholarship Foundation is a Florida-approved Scholarship Funding Organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for families across the state. We administer scholarships that can help cover tuition at eligible Florida private schools, and we are committed to a smooth, reliable, and family-friendly experience.

If your child’s education has been disrupted — or if you are worried about what comes next — we encourage you to explore whether an AAA scholarship is the right fit for your family. Applying is simple, and our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.

Transferring families will apply to AAA as a “New” student and the Florida Department of Education will notify AAA which student statuses need to be adjusted to “Renewal.” Click here to begin your AAA scholarship application.

Every child deserves access to a stable, quality education. We are honored to help make that possible.

AAA Urges Governors to Opt-In to the New Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program

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On Dec. 12, the IRS issued Rev. Proc. 2026-6, which establishes procedures for state Governors to make an Advance Election to opt-in to the new Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

Opting-in just means that donated funds will be allowed to remain in their state. If any state chooses not to opt-in, it doesn’t stop donations from their citizens to qualified SGOs outside of their state administering the program, it just means that those donations can’t be used for students residing in their states.

States making the Advance Election must file Form 15714 between Jan. 1, 2026, and the deadline for submitting their SGO lists. AAA urges all Governors to opt-in to the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program so that qualifying students in their states may benefit.

By law, the authorized uses for the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship program are the same as those allowed by the existing Coverdell ESA program for eligible elementary or secondary education expenses. An eligible elementary or secondary school is any public, private, or religious school that provides elementary or secondary education (kindergarten through grade 12), as determined under state law.

 

The Johnson Family

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The Johnson Family
Georgia

When we first met the Johnson family, William and Alyne Johnson were thriving at Sugar Hill Christian Academy with help from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA). Fast forward to 2025 and William is now a high school graduate attending Georgia Tech and Alyne just started her 10th grade year at Sugar Hill Christian. William and Alyne are making progress toward their goals, though their parents, Herbert and Blandine Johnson, once had concerns about their future.

Immigrants from France and Jamaica, Blandine and Herbert established a new life in the United States and started a family of their own, determined to provide the tools their children need to grow and prosper. Recognizing the significance of education for future opportunities, the Johnsons actively participated in their children’s academic development from the moment William began kindergarten at the local public school.

“Things seemed fine at first,” says Blandine. “But then William’s teacher told us she thought he had a learning disorder because he was not as social as the other kids in his class. Herbert and I were shocked and started to wonder if we had somehow missed the signs.”

Concerned about their son and eager for solid answers, the Johnsons sought professional advice and ruled out any learning disabilities. In fact, it was his shy nature that was prohibiting him from asking for the help he needed in school. He was not grasping the subjects as quickly as the other students and he needed an environment where he could receive one-on-one attention and feel comfortable seeking extra assistance. It had become clear that his current school was not providing him with the help he needed, but their options were limited and private school seemed out of reach – especially because they had experienced a decrease in income, putting further strain on their family.

However, they were not willing to sit by and watch their son continue to struggle in an environment that was not suited to his needs. They were aware of scholarships available through AAA – but were cautiously optimistic when they submitted their application a second time, knowing they had encountered a waitlist in the past due to limited funding. However, this time they were ecstatic to receive an approval letter, enabling them to enroll both William and Alyne in Sugar Hill Christian.

Sugar Hill Christian provided William with academic guidance, a supportive environment and assistance from the teaching staff, which helped him address his challenges and identify his future direction. Over the years, he transitioned from a child who was too shy to speak up in class, to a young man actively participating in his education, developing a love for design and infrastructure and spending hours drawing skylines from all over the world. During his time at Sugar Hill, he was an honor roll student and received several awards and recognitions, including rookie of the year for ninth grade band – and later earning his letter and bar from band; a nomination for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program; The College Board National Recognition awards in the African American and first-generation categories; and the John Philip Sousa Band Award “The Instrumentalist” in recognition of his superior musicianship and dedication. William graduated from Sugar Hill in the spring of 2025 and then in the fall, he began his freshman year at Georgia Tech, where he is studying to be a civil engineer.

William’s sister Alyne has also found her place at Sugar Hill thanks to an AAA scholarship. She is now in the 10th grade and consistently brings home all As in her classes. While her favorite core subject is science, she has also developed a love for art, with her skills ranging from graphite and acrylic art to sculptures. She has even created anime designs for T-shirts. Her artwork has been featured in numerous art shows and earned her the artist of the year award at the school. Additionally, she is part of the National Art Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She is passionate about helping others and has considered a future career in the medical field or even psychology.

For Herbert and Blandine, the AAA Scholarship Foundation has been the catalyst that helped their children build a solid educational foundation and make strides towards their futures.

“As parents, our biggest wish for our children is for them to accomplish their goals and have a positive impact in their community,” says Herbert. “Thanks to AAA and its donors, they are well on their way to doing just that and we could not be more grateful for the opportunities our family and so many others have been given. Thank you!”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation

The typical AAA Scholarship student is either below grade level, failing at their previous school, or both, when they receive an income-based scholarship. Parents who find their children in these circumstances and care about their future look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges and engages their child to reverse inappropriate learning and/or social patterns and the lifelong negative impact they imply. They wish to change their child’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure. Another is the first-time student, who is just entering kindergarten. Parents, wanting to empower their child’s academic journey from day one, choose the AAA scholarship so that their child will have a quality education tailored specifically for their learning needs ensuring their time in school is a seamless experience from K-12. Your contributions to AAA provide the lifelines that these parents need.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively authorized tax credit scholarship programs in multiple states. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your company can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri @ aaascholarships.org or 888-707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a pdf of this spotlight

A Simple Checkbox Could Unlock Big Opportunities for Educational Choice

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💡 A Simple Checkbox Could Unlock Big Opportunities for Educational Choice

Imagine if supporting educational opportunity for children was as easy as checking a box.

That’s the idea behind a proposal I’ve been working on to help scale the new federal tax credit scholarship program created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This landmark legislation includes the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), which allows taxpayers to receive a $1,700 federal tax credit for donating to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) like AAA Scholarship Foundation.

It’s a game-changer—but there’s a catch.

🧾 The Problem: Great Program, Tough Participation

Right now, to claim the credit, taxpayers have to make a payment to an SGO. That sounds simple, but for many families, it’s not. Coming up with $1,700 out of pocket—even with the promise of a tax credit later—is a big ask.

And for SGOs, relying on thousands of small, individual donations is a logistical challenge. We need a way to make giving easier, more automatic, and more scalable.

✅ The Proposal: Add a Checkbox to Form W-4

Here’s the idea: What if taxpayers could check a box on their Form W-4—the form they already use to tell their employer how much federal income tax to withhold—and instruct their employer to redirect up to $1,700 of that withholding to an SGO of their choice?

No extra paperwork. No writing checks. Just a simple payroll-based contribution that flows directly to scholarships.

Employers already handle complex remittances to the IRS, state agencies, insurance companies, and retirement plans. Adding SGOs to that list could be a natural fit.

📈 Why It Works

This approach could:

  • Make giving effortless for taxpayers.
  • Increase participation, especially among lower- and middle-income earners.
  • Streamline operations for SGOs by working directly with employers.
  • Provide predictable funding for scholarships throughout the year.

It’s a win-win-win—for families, donors, and scholarship organizations.

⚖️ What Needs to Happen

For this to work, the U.S. Treasury Department would need to include this option in the regulations it’s required to issue under the ECCA. It would also need to ensure proper tracking, verification, and reporting—things that payroll systems are already pretty good at.

Yes, it’s a new idea. But it’s built on existing infrastructure and aligns perfectly with the spirit of the law: empowering families through educational choice.

🗣️ Let’s Start the Conversation

This proposal is just one way we can make the ECCA more accessible and impactful. We’d love to hear your thoughts—especially if you’re a policymaker, employer, educator, or parent.

Could a checkbox really change the game for school choice? We think it can.

 

 

The Manzano Family

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The Manzano Family
Las Vegas, NV

In May 2024, Julia Manzano graduated as valedictorian from Mountain View Christian School, marking the end of her high school years and signaling the start of her journey into adulthood and future endeavors. Today, she is continuing her education at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas with a goal to pursue a career in the medical field. However, looking back, she acknowledges that her journey may have looked much different if scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA) had not given her and her younger siblings the educational opportunities they desperately needed.

Julia is the oldest daughter of Alicia Manzano and Cesar Manzano-Vasquez, with younger siblings Estela, Cesar and Avner completing their family of six. For Alicia, who immigrated from Mexico 22 years ago, ensuring her children are equipped with the skills they need to lead successful futures has always been a top priority. However, as Julia progressed through elementary school and reached the 6th grade, it became clear that the public schools in their area were not meeting her needs.

“I felt lost at school, both academically and socially,” recalls Julia. “I struggled to keep up in my classes and it was hard to make friends in that environment.”

Worried that Julia would fall further behind, Alicia searched for alternatives in their area – including private school – but soon realized that affording tuition would be next to impossible for the single-income family. As if timing was on their side, Alicia stumbled across a flyer about the availability of AAA Scholarships in Nevada and filled out an application, hoping that Julia and her other children would be given access to attend a school that could better meet their needs. Hope turned into joy when the family’s application was approved, enabling Julia and her younger siblings to attend Mountain View Christian School (MVCS), a school that has helped each of the Manzano children on their individual educational journeys.

For Julia, everything changed once she made the transition from her old school to MVCS. “With teachers who supported me and a community that encouraged me, I was able to excel in my studies,” she says.

No longer feeling lost in school, Julia’s confidence grew as she made her way through middle and high school, making academic strides and becoming involved in the school’s athletic programs and student council. Her hard work paid off as she was named valedictorian of her senior class. Since graduating from MVCS last year, Julia has continued that momentum as she works towards her college degree and eyes a career in the medical field.

Estela, the second oldest of the Manzano children, has enjoyed her own success at MVCS. “Before receiving the scholarship, I was struggling in school, especially with math,” recalls Estela. “But the teachers at Mountain View were so patient and helped talk me through the things I was struggling with and it finally started to click.” Now finishing up her 10th grade year, Estela has developed a love for English and dreams of becoming an author one day. She also participates in the school’s sports programs, including volleyball, softball and basketball, is a member of the student council, and has even earned an award from the Association of Christian Teachers and Schools (ACTS).

For the two youngest siblings, Cesar (7th) and Avner (1st), Mountain View has allowed them to get a head start on their education.

“Although Cesar only attended the public school in kindergarten, the experience was not pleasant, mainly because we were concerned for his safety after a couple of incidents that happened in school,” explains Alicia. “In addition to providing a high level of education, Mountain View has given us peace of mind knowing that our children are in a safe environment.”

As Alicia celebrates the progress her children have made at MVCS, she realizes how different the outcome could have been without the help from the scholarship program. “AAA Scholarships have given my children so many opportunities,” she says. “The chance to overcome struggles and graduate. The chance to learn in a safe environment. The chance to dream about their future and take steps to accomplish their goals. To the donors that continue to make these kinds of opportunities accessible for so many families like mine, please know how grateful we are!”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 80 percent of these children are initially awarded AAA scholarships while living in households with annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Many are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they first receive a scholarship. Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and are concerned about their future, look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges their children and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and potential lifelong negative impacts. They wish to change their children’s learning environment, acquaintances, and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively authorized tax credit scholarship programs in multiple states. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your company can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri @ aaascholarships.org or 888-707-2465 ext. 730.

The Biehl Family

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The Biehl Family
Tucson, AZ

It’s a Monday morning in Tucson, Ariz., when Dana Biehl and her husband Terrence carve out some time to share their family’s experience with the AAA Scholarship Foundation. For the couple, who are parents to seven children ranging in age from 5 months to 16 years old, time is a valuable resource, one they are often short on. However, hearing their 3-year-old Gemma chat excitedly, eager to say hello to the person on the phone, it is clear that one resource this family is not short on is love.

Born and raised in Ukraine, Dana first came to the United States in 2007 through a college work program, landing a summer job at a park in Wisconsin. It was the following summer when she returned to the U.S. – this time in Wyoming – that she met Terrence. The two eventually married and started a family, establishing a life in Tucson, where Terrence works for the U.S. Postal Service while Dana is a dedicated stay-at-home parent.

When their oldest son, Sam, was preparing to start school, the Biehls researched educational options in their area. Aside from being plagued with low performance ratings, the public schools in their district did not have the type of environment they felt would help spur their son’s growth. They considered other options as well – including charter and private schools. When they visited St. Joseph Catholic School, they knew they had found the one; the culture, strong academic program and family-like environment were exactly what they were looking for. However, as a one-income family, affording the tuition would be challenging, if not impossible.

“We knew this school was the right fit for our family, we just needed some extra assistance that would make it a possibility for us,” explains Terrance. “Thankfully, the school staff told us about AAA Scholarships and we applied, hopeful that it would be the answer we needed.”
“Receiving the acceptance letter from AAA was a huge relief,” adds Dana. “Sending your child off to school for the first time is sometimes scary. But knowing we were sending him to an environment that felt like an extension of our home, made things so much easier.”

Since that time, in addition to Sam, three more of the Biehl children have received AAA Scholarships – Chloe, Timothy and William.

Sam, who attended St. Joseph until he graduated from 8th grade, is currently finishing up his 10th grade year at St. Augustine Catholic High School. Over the years, he has developed a strong educational foundation – including a love for math. Thanks to the school’s tutors, he has been able to overcome any difficulties he faces. He has participated in several extracurricular activities, including track and field in 7th and 8th grade, as well as golf, tennis and theater in high school. He also dedicates his spare time to serving the community through youth group activities and even works as a student advisor to help fellow classmates. His experiences at St. Joseph and St. Augustine have inspired his future goal of becoming a priest.

Chloe, who also attended St. Joseph and is now completing her ninth-grade year at St. Augustine, is paving her own path of success through school. Like her older brother, Chloe’s favorite subject is math and she has participated in sports such as track and field during 6th and 7th grade. And this year, she discovered a new interest in playing the piano, thanks to the array of electives available at St. Augustine.

AAA Scholarships have also enabled Timothy and William to get a jump start on their educational journey at St. Joseph. Timothy, who is finishing up second grade, was able to overcome his struggles in math with help from his dedicated teacher, Mrs. McGarey, and has found a love for reading and writing, becoming quite good at crafting short stories. His younger brother, William, is just getting started in school as a Kindergartener, but he is already making strides and was recognized for high scores on his academic progress assessment (MAP).

“Without the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors, our children would not have the same opportunities they have been given both educationally and developmentally on so many levels,” says Dana.

“We cannot imagine our children going anywhere else and excelling the way they have and will continue to do with the help from AAA Scholarships,” adds Terrance. “To the donors and others that have made this possible for our family as well as so many others – thank you!”

 

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA scholarship student is either below grade level, failing at their previous school, or both, when they receive an income-based scholarship. Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and care about their future look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges and engages their child to reverse inappropriate learning and/or social patterns and the lifelong negative impact they imply. They wish to change their child’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

Another is the first-time student, who is just entering kindergarten. Parents, wanting to empower their child’s academic journey from day one, choose the AAA scholarship so that their child will have a quality education tailored specifically for their learning needs ensuring their time in school is a seamless experience from K-12.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively-authorized tax credit scholarship programs in multiple states. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your company can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888-707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a pdf of this student spotlight.

Tiffany Bello-Spence – Update

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Tiffany Bello-Spence
Miami, FL

Tiffany Bello-Spence is a determined young woman with a big dream of becoming a veterinarian one day, a goal that is now in reach thanks to the preparation she is receiving a Saint Brendan High School in Miami, Fla., a school she is attending on an AAA Scholarship.

Born prematurely and losing her father to cancer before she reached her first birthday, the odds were stacked against Tiffany. However, her mother, Janice Bello, was determined to provide the best life she could for her and has worked tirelessly over the years to fulfill that goal. As Tiffany approached high school, it became clear that she needed a more challenging environment than the school she was zoned for.

“By middle school she already had her mind set: she wanted to attend the University of Florida and become a veterinarian,” recalls Janice. “However, I worried that her determination would be stifled if she continued in an environment that did not provide her with opportunities for growth and tools to help her reach her goals.”

In their search for options, they found Saint Brendan High School. It had everything they hoped for – including a strong academic program with separate academies such as medical sciences, perfectly aligned to Tiffany’s future goal. Unable to afford the tuition on her own, Janice applied for and received a tax credit scholarship from AAA for Tiffany, easing the financial burden and giving her daughter the chance to pursue her dreams.

Now in the 12th grade, Tiffany has excelled during her time at Saint Brendan, where she was one of only 30 students accepted into the medical sciences program her freshman year. She is taking all AP classes while continuing to earn top grades and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She is also involved in various other honor societies including science, English and social science, even serving as president of her school’s Science National Honor Society and secretary of her school’s National English Honor Society. On any given day, you can find her studying or fulfilling her duties for the numerous other activities and clubs she is involved in, such as Environmental Club, Red Cross, Key Club, and Sabres Against Cancer (in honor of her father).

She still has her sights set on attending the University of Florida, but has also applied to other colleges, including University of Miami (UM), University of Central Florida (UCF), Cornell and Florida International University (FIU). She has already been accepted by early admission into UCF and was given the opportunity by Saint Brendan – who only nominates one student per year – to get a scholarship that covers most of the tuition for UM.  We know that she will excel wherever she lands.

“As a single parent on a limited income, I have made many sacrifices to provide a good life for my daughter,” says Janice. “Thanks to AAA, I did not have to sacrifice her quality of education.”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation

AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 80 percent of these children are initially awarded AAA scholarships while living in households with annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Many are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they first receive a scholarship. Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and are concerned about their future, look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges their children and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and potential lifelong negative impacts. They wish to change their children’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

 

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively-authorized tax credit scholarship programs in multiple states. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your company can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri @ aaascholarships.org or 888-707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a copy of this student spotlight.

 

Toby Miller

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Toby Miller
Florida

This past May, Toby Miller walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma, signifying the hurdles he has overcome and the accomplishments he has made at Odessa Christian School. A few years ago, Toby’s mother, Katie Miller, worried about his future after he encountered setbacks in middle school. However, a scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA) enabled him to correct his path and he is now on his way to a promising future.

Prior to receiving an AAA Scholarship, Toby attended his local public middle school. His parents had recently divorced, and his mother Katie was adjusting to life as a single mom of four, with Toby being the youngest of the Miller children. Unfortunately, Toby began associating with the wrong crowd and making poor choices, eventually leading him to be suspended from school. Additionally, he began to struggle academically as his 504 educational plan was not being followed and his grades suffered.
Katie was determined to do whatever it took to get her son back on track and began to research alternative solutions, including Odessa Christian School, a school she was familiar with as it was close to their neighborhood and her sister-in-law had previously been a teacher at the school. The school appeared to be the perfect solution, except for one thing: the tuition.

“At the time, I was newly divorced and just finishing up nursing school,” recalls Katie. “Affording the tuition at Odessa Christian would have been next to impossible. However, the school told us about the AAA Scholarship Foundation and we were able to receive a scholarship for Toby. I was overjoyed!”
As Toby transitioned to Odessa Christian, he began to feel seen and heard by his teachers and his grades improved, going from failing to earning A’s and B’s in his classes. Surrounded by positive influences, and with renewed confidence, Toby began to branch out, taking the initiative to volunteer on the production team at church and getting a job at their local grocery store.

“None of these things I advised him to do; he did it all on his own,” says Katie.

By the time Toby reached his senior year, he had become an honor roll student and was recognized for his strong skills as a sound technician. In the Spring of 2024, he graduated with honors from Odessa Christian School. Following graduation, he got a job doing background checks for a company – perfectly suited to his future career interests – and is starting a new chapter at Western Governors University, where he will be studying cyber security.

Reflecting on the journey Toby has undertaken, Katie is both proud and grateful.

“As soon as he started at Odessa Christian, I felt relieved,” says Katie. “As a parent, knowing in my heart that he was in a safe space was very comforting. And now seeing the incredible person he is growing into and all that he has accomplished the past few years…to say I am proud would be an understatement. I know without a shadow of a doubt that Toby’s life would look very different right now if he did not have the tremendous opportunity that was given to him by the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors. You have made this all possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
About AAA Scholarship Foundation

AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 80 percent of these children are initially awarded AAA scholarships while living in households with annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Many are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they first receive a scholarship. Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and are concerned about their future, look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges their children and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and potential lifelong negative impacts. They wish to change their children’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.
 

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively-authorized tax credit scholarship programs in multiple states. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your company can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri @ aaascholarships.org or 888-707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a pdf of Toby Miller’s Scholarship Spotlight

3 Easy Steps for using AAA Scholarships at Private Schools

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3 easy steps for using AAA scholarships at private schools

Step 1. Application Submission – Applicants must submit their scholarship applications to AAA by the designated deadline. Upon completion of the application, applicants will receive a notification via email. This email will include a link for the parent to login to the online SMP account. If determined eligible, the parent must accept the award to find their student’s school and being the School Commitment Form (SCF) process. The applicant is required to complete the SCF by the set deadline.

Step 2. School Commitment Form (SCF) – Both the parent and school must confirm enrollment by submitting an SCF to AAA:
 a) Parents will click on the Find School button then select their student’s school. Once a school is selected, they’ll review the school’s tuition and fee information and click the Accept & Submit button to begin the SCF. They must complete and submit one SCF for each student attending a private school.
 b) Schools will be notified via email to login to their online SMP account when an SCF has been submitted. They’ll review it and accept or decline the student’s enrollment request.
c) Once submitted by the school, the parent will have one last opportunity to accept or decline the SCF.
d) Upon final acceptance by the parent, the SCF will be reviewed by AAA in order to finalize the SCF process.

Step 3. Scholarship Payments – Both the school and parent must verify continued enrollment and attendance for payments to be released:
 a) Verification Reports (VR): Schools will begin the VR process. Once the VR is active, they will be emailed to login to their SMP account to review the detailed roster of AAA students for whom the SCF process has been finalized as per the payment schedule. The school must complete the VR, indicating any student absences, with a maximum allowable of 18 days per year, whether excused or unexcused. The school must also verify that the parent is meeting their private pay obligations, if any. The school portion of the VR must be completed before the specified deadline.
 b) Once the school submits the VR, parents will be emailed to login to their online SMP account to verify the information submitted by the school and approve or decline the school payment. The parent portion of the VR must be completed before the specified deadline.
c) Any discrepancies between the school and parent answers on the VR must be reviewed by AAA and will delay payment release.

Parents are required to submit proof of enrollment in a private school for each student during the application process. This proof of enrollment must include the following details:

  1. The name of the school or its logo (letterhead)
  2. The student’s full name
  3. The grade level
  4. The enrollment date (academic year)

Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@aaascholarships.org.