AAA Scholarship Foundation

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10 Things to Consider: AAA vs. ESA

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Are you trying to decide whether an AAA Tax Credit Scholarship or Education Savings Account is the best k-12 education funding solution for your family? Here are 10 things to consider before making a decision:

  1. What is the funding source of each Program?

AAA: AAA Tax Credit Scholarships are privately funded via donations to a non-profit organization = Small Government, Private Spending, Targeted Regulation

ESA: Arizona Education Savings Accounts are government funded via taxpayer dollars[1] = Big Government, Big Spending, Big Regulation

 

  1. What state department is responsible for Program Regulations?

AAA: The AZ Department of Revenue, a neutral, non-politically driven department regulates AAA Tax Credit Scholarships.

ESA: The Arizona Department of Education whose director actively worked to stop the program from going into effect[2] regulates ESAs.

 

  1. Who administers the day-to-day activity of the Programs?

AAA: AAA is a state-approved non-profit organization known as a School Tuition Organization (STO). AAA’s mission is to serve under-privileged families and promote the advancement of education. AAA is required to pass annual financial and compliance audits.

ESA: An unaccountable third-party for-profit company that is being sued by the state of Oklahoma for fraud and mismanagement of two scholarship programs[3] administers the ESA.

 

  1. What is the Program funding frequency?

AAA: AAA raises the private contributions to fund our 3-year Arizona tax credit scholarships before any awards are granted each school year.

ESA: The Arizona state legislature must debate, vote and pass bi-annual budget legislation to include funding allocations for ESAs. If funding is allocated, the ESA accounts are funded quarterly[4].

 

  1. What is the family reporting requirement?

AAA: Not applicable – families do not have to report scholarship payments to the state. AAA is responsible for all state reporting.

ESA: The parent (“Contract Holder”) must submit an itemized school invoice to the state’s third-party administrator[5].

 

  1. Which Arizona private k-12 schools can I choose from?

AAA: All qualified private schools are eligible. Payments are sent directly to the schools by AAA once the student has been verified as remaining enrolled. Click here for AAA’s AZ School Eligibility Flyer.

ESA: Qualified schools must be registered with state’s third-party administrator otherwise the parent/Contract Holder must pay out-of-pocket and then request reimbursement from the ESA personally. The Contract Holder must submit an itemized school invoice to the third-party administrator[6].

 

  1. Are there any specific subject matter requirements?

AAA: Private schools are responsible for ensuring appropriate subject matter is being taught to students. Families are free to move their children into any eligible private school that best fits their children’s educational needs. Click here to learn about three easy steps for selecting a school.

ESA: Contract Holders are responsible to prove to the State that at least a portion of the ESA funds have been expended to provide for an education in State-mandated subject matter[7].

 

  1. What about the family requirement for reporting of other types of expenditures?

AAA: Not applicable – AAA Tax Credit Scholarships may only be used for tuition at eligible private schools.     

ESA: Transaction receipts must be turned-in by the Contract Holder to the third-party administrator quarterly or after every 20 transactions. Transactions are subject to audit by the state for up to two years after the fact[8].

 

  1. What if we have no expenditures in a quarter?

AAA: Not applicable – AAA Tax Credit Scholarship payments are remitted to the schools on behalf of the students periodically throughout the school year.

ESA: If no spending occurs in a particular quarter, Contract Holders are required to attest in the ESA portal that no funds were spent[9].

 

  1. How are disallowed expenditures handled?

AAA: Not applicable – because AAA Tax Credit Scholarships may only be used for tuition at eligible private schools, there is no chance that a family could accidentally misspend funds.

ESA: Transactions are subject to audit by the State for up to two years after the fact. Disallowed expenditures must be repaid to the State by the Contract Holder. Any disallowed, misspent, or un-submitted expenses will be sent to the State Attorney General’s Office of Collection / Fraud for collection, fraud investigation, or both[10].

Ready to apply for an AAA Tax Credit Scholarship? Click here to access our online application.

Need more information before applying? Click here to learn everything you need to know about applying.

[1] https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2022/05/2022-2023%20ESA%20Program%20Handbook%20%28SBE%20Approved%204-29-22%29.pdf

[2]  https://twitter.com/kathyhoffman_az/status/1548412129044180994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1548412129044180994%7Ctwgr%5E725917d326178b1d6d1a5e70c2f4a211ea6fa504%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fazfreenews.com%2F2022%2F09%2Fpublic-school-activists-telling-petition-signers-school-choice-program-has-no-oversight%2F

[3] https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22127910-classwallet-lawsuit

[4] https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2022/05/2022-2023%20ESA%20Program%20Handbook%20%28SBE%20Approved%204-29-22%29.pdf

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid

[7] Ibid

[8] Ibid

[9] Ibid

[10] Ibid

 

Amariah Jones

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Amariah Jones
Savannah, GA

As the proud mother of three, Nikesha Bryant works tirelessly to provide for her children and make sure they have access to tools that will foster their growth and success. However, as her oldest daughter Amariah Jones was preparing to enter middle school, she began to worry about the lack of safe, quality educational options in their area. Like many growing areas, their hometown of Savannah, Ga., had seen an uptick in crime over the years, impacting the area youth and even trickling into some of the neighborhood schools, where metal detectors replaced open doors and education levels dwindled as students focused more on their safety than their test scores.

Amariah did well throughout her elementary school years as she was able to attend a school that provided a safe, nurturing environment that enabled her to thrive. However, the middle schools in their area were limited, with the location largely determining whether the school was able to provide a safe learning environment. Knowing the challenges Amariah would face in middle school if not placed in the right educational setting, Nikesha opted to utilize the public school system’s choice program and applied for several area public middle schools that she felt would be a good fit. However, student selections for the schools are based on a lottery system and, despite their best efforts, Amariah did not get a spot at any of their choice schools. Instead, her only option was to attend a middle school plagued with problems of student violence and poor academic performance.

Determined to find a more suitable school for her daughter, she began to investigate other educational options in their area and learned about the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA), which would enable Amariah to receive a tax credit scholarship to attend a private school of choice.
“When I received the approval letter from the AAA Scholarship Foundation, I was overjoyed and a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders,” recalls Nikesha. “The scholarship saved my daughter from a potentially disastrous situation and enabled her to receive a high-quality education in a safe learning environment.”

Now in the 10th grade at Calvary Day School in Savannah, Amariah is excelling thanks to the advanced curriculum that challenges her to go beyond her comfort zone and reach her full potential, which has resulted in her continually bringing home A’s. In addition to her hard work in the classroom, she has also taken advantage of the extracurricular opportunities at the school – such as cheer, basketball, color guard and band – enabling her to come out of her shell and stay engaged at school.

As Amariah continues to develop her skills and think about her future, Nikesha only hopes that she continues to pursue happiness while paving her own path to success. “I think being happy in school and surrounded by opportunity plays a big part in her being able to achieve her goals,” she adds.

As far as the AAA donors who made it possible for Amariah to have access to these opportunities, Nikesha is overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thank you giving my child an opportunity of a lifetime!” says Nikesha. “As a single parent with a limited income, you have provided an incredible resource for my family that would otherwise be out of reach: access to a high-quality education. Your support means that my child is not limited to attending a school that is unfit, and instead able to attend a school that can offer her countless opportunities. We are incredibly grateful to all those who make this possible!”

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 version of this student spotlight.

Dereck Sandoval

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Dereck Sandoval
Reno, NV

“When times were hard, and it felt like every door was closed, the AAA Scholarship Foundation was there to remind me to remain hopeful, and to keep working hard as a single mother.” Those were the words spoken by AAA scholarship parent Karla Martinez four years ago – sentiments that remain true today.

Many of our readers may be familiar with Karla and her son, Dereck Sandoval, from a spotlight story in 2018. Now in the 8th grade, Dereck has continued to receive an education that meets his needs with help from an AAA Scholarship. Although Dereck has faced challenges over the years, having a mother who believes in him and a school family that provides support and opportunities to grow, has made all the difference.

Dereck turned 14 years old this year, but in hearing him speak, he exudes a quiet confidence and kindness that exceeds his age. Perhaps it is a strength he has inherited from Karla, a woman who has handled every challenge thrown her way with grace, strength and determination.

Their story began years before Dereck was born – nearly 20 years ago – when Karla made a bold decision to move from her home in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, all the way to Reno, Nevada. Although she would be leaving everything behind, she was determined to explore and search out new opportunities. She soon began a career in the healthcare industry as a medical biller and coder. As she continued to build her new life in the United States, she was able to fulfill another lifelong dream of becoming a mother when Dereck, her only child, was born. However, when Dereck was only 5 years old, his father left abruptly, leaving Karla to fulfill the roles of both mother and father alone.  Despite the tough road they faced, Karla remained determined to provide everything she possibly could for her son, even if it meant working long hours and making sacrifices along the way.

One thing she would not sacrifice was her child’s education. Before his father left, Dereck had already begun school at Little Flower Catholic School, a private school in Reno that Karla felt was a better fit than the public school he was zoned to attend, which was plagued with low ratings from the state due to poor performance.

“I feel that education is one of the best things that you can provide to your children and having a safe environment plays an important role in their development,” says Karla.  “I want to provide my child with the best education, but also, I want him to be in a safe and nurturing environment. The public school in our area was not able to provide that for him.”

With so much change occurring at home, Karla knew that she had to keep other areas of Dereck’s life as steady and secure as possible, including his

Dereck Sandoval in 2018 (4th grade)

educational environment. Little Flower served as an extension of their family, and she did not want to disrupt his education and well-being. Although finances were tough on a single income, Karla was able to scrape by and pay the tuition at Little Flower using money she had saved up. However, eventually she found herself at a crossroads, knowing that she would not be able to continue to afford Dereck’s tuition on top of their living expenses. However, just as she thought all hope was lost, she learned that they qualified for a tax credit scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation, easing the financial burden and allowing Dereck to continue his education at Little Flower.

With the years flying by with a seemingly blink of an eye, Dereck is coming to the end of his middle school years and will be graduating from Little Flower soon and continuing onto Bishop Manogue Catholic High School in the fall of 2022. Reminiscing about Dereck’s school experience, Karla is grateful that her son was able to learn in a positive environment and receive an education that is preparing him for future success. The atmosphere at Little Flower inspired his love of learning – especially in the areas of social studies, literature and English – while also enabling him to be exposed to other activities and opportunities, such as theater and acting through the school’s Missoula program. Aside from his school activities, Dereck is also involved in the Boy Scouts, in which he has received several recognitions and merit badges.

“The AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors provided a lifeline when we needed it the most,” says Karla. “Without your help, my son would not have had these same opportunities and I am not sure what things would have looked like for him otherwise. Thank you for supporting us through this journey. We are so grateful!”

We look forward to following Dereck’s journey as he continues to high school and beyond. Thank you to each and every one of our donors for making it possible for children like Dereck to access educational opportunities and gain hope for a promising future.

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 this student spotlight.

Rylea and Kimber Sutter

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Rylea and Kimber Sutter
Buckeye, AZ

Residing in the desert on the outskirts of Maricopa County, Ryan and Amanda Sutter undoubtedly live a different lifestyle than those in the more developed areas of Arizona.  While not always easy, living in this region makes it possible for Ryan to fulfill his role with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and has also enabled the family to create additional income by farming alfalfa hay.  The couple shares three young daughters – Rylea (8), Kimber (7) and Joanna (5).  Their agricultural lifestyle has required them to be resourceful for many things, but thanks to scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation they did not have to sacrifice their children’s education.

When their oldest daughter Rylea was preparing to enter Kindergarten, Ryan and Amanda were faced with the reality that they had very few school options in their area.  The closest public elementary school was 40 minutes away and, to make matters worse, the schools they had to choose from received low ratings by the Arizona Department of Education due to poor performance – an issue that plagued many of the schools in Maricopa County.  Knowing that Rylea – and eventually her younger siblings – would be spending a majority of their weekday hours in school and away from home, they worried the academic environment would not be suitable for their daughters.

“We want our children’s learning environment to be an extension of our home and our family, enabling them to thrive, to feel confident and to be guided on the right path,” says Amanda.  “Unfortunately, the school options we had available at the time were not able to provide that for them.”

Just as they were feeling trapped due to their geographical and financial limitations, they learned that there was an opportunity for their daughters to learn in an environment that was familiar to their family – Grace Fellowship Academy, the academic extension of their church.  Better yet, their family met the requirements to receive a tax credit scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation, filling gaps in their income and enabling them to afford to send Rylea, and eventually her sister Kimber, to a school that was better aligned with their lifestyle and that met their expectations for a positive learning environment.

Now in the second grade, Rylea has blossomed at Grace Fellowship Academy, thanks to the close-knit atmosphere and small class sizes that enable her to feel comfortable and ask for help when needed.  For example, when she encountered struggles with reading, the one-on-one support she received helped her overcome that hurdle without causing her to fall behind or limiting the progression of the rest of her classmates.  Rylea, who is naturally a quiet and reserved child, has also risen as a leader in her class, winning a character award as well as a recurring spot on the principal’s list for her grades.

Kimber, currently in the first grade, is a vivacious member of her class and has developed a big love for reading, especially anything by Dr. Seuss.  “I really love going to the library and my STEAM class,” adds Kimber excitedly.

Amanda loves how the school cultivates a family-like environment and enables her to stay connected to her daughters’ education through clear communication between parents and teachers, as well as the ability to engage in the classroom through volunteer work.

“Being at a school that meets their needs has truly fostered a love of learning for my children,” says Amanda.  “They are eager to learn new things every day, and even come home and play ‘school’ with one another, re-enacting what they learned – which to me, demonstrates what an incredible, positive impact their teachers are having in their lives.”

Seeing her children thrive in school has also given her and her husband peace of mind.

“The AAA Scholarship Foundation has been a true blessing for our family,” says Amanda.  “I am in tears every year when we receive our approval letter for the scholarship because it relieves a huge amount of anxiety and worry, enabling our family to afford for our children to continue in an environment where they can thrive and grow and feel safe.”

And perhaps her biggest appreciation is for the AAA donors who made it all possible.
“We are so incredibly thankful for the generous companies that fund AAA Scholarships,” says Amanda.  “Please know that every dollar donated makes a difference, not only for our family, but for so many other families and future generations.  You are directly impacting children’s lives and their futures.  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 this student spotlight.

Georgia K-12 Education Tax Credit Program Expanded to $120 Million

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For Immediate Release

On behalf of the many families and students it serves, AAA Scholarship Foundation today offers sincere thanks to Governor Brian Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan and Speaker David Ralston on the passage yesterday of HB 517, a bill that will increase the Georgia K-12 education tax credit program to $120 million from $100 million.  The legislation would also make permanent an increase to the program that was set to expire soon and expand the types of entities that can contribute to these important educational scholarships.

HB 517 will allow the AAA Scholarship Foundation to serve more families through critical needs-based scholarships and help these students accomplish their educational goals with greater success.  “I am deeply grateful for the work that Governor Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly have done by continuing to invest in student excellence and to give families educational options.  We are especially grateful for the efforts of Representative John Carson and Senator Chuck Payne who sponsored the legislation and helped it to receive final passage,” said Kim Dyson, President of AAA Scholarship Foundation.

“I am very proud of my fellow lawmakers in approving an increase in Georgia’s tax credit scholarship program. Under HB 517, more families will be able to choose the school that best meets their child’s needs, Georgia taxpayers will be able to contribute more per family, and the state will have increased transparency, disclosure and cost savings.  Truly a win for everyone, especially Georgia’s kids in need of educational opportunities”” said bill sponsor Rep. John Carson.

HB 517 has been transferred to the Office of Governor Brian Kemp and is awaiting signature.  For more information on AAA Scholarship Foundation, please visit https://www.aaascholarships.org/.

Click here for a pdf of this press release

Thank you for the thank you’s!

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We want to say “Thank You!” to everyone who helps us thank our generous donors!

We are so very grateful to every recipient of an AAA scholarship who sends in a letter, card, or video that expresses how much their child’s scholarship means to them and to their future.

Click here to view our 2022 Donor Thank You video.

Sharing how your child’s scholarship positively effected their life lets our donors know that their continued support is vital.

If you, your child, your school, or someone you love was positively affected by an AAA scholarship, please upload or mail us a short Thank You card/letter/video for our donors. Include a little bit about how the scholarship has positively affected your child(ren). These letters/cards/videos will be used to help us raise funds for the next school year and into the future.

Thank you!!

Tiffany Bello-Spence

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Tiffany Bello-Spence
Miami, Florida

After losing her father at a very young age, Tiffany Bello-Spence has seen firsthand the sacrifices her mother, Janice Bello, has made to provide for their family, including ensuring she has access to a quality education and opportunities to make her dreams come true. When it became clear that Tiffany needed a more challenging academic environment, a scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA) provided a helping hand, making it possible for her to attend a school that is preparing her for a successful future.

Tiffany and Janice share an unbreakable bond, perhaps made even stronger by the trials and tribulations they have overcome. Tiffany was born prematurely, which required her to have additional care and therapy that would extend until she entered Kindergarten. Tragically, before she would reach her first birthday, her father Philip passed away from cancer. A grieving Janice had to remain strong and push forward to build a life for her and Tiffany the best she could –while keeping Philip’s memory alive. Still to this day, Janice and Tiffany honor him on his birthday each year with a paper lantern ceremony.

Over the years, Janice and Tiffany persevered, with Tiffany continuing onto elementary and then middle school. However, as Tiffany began inching closer to entering high school, Janice did not feel like she was being adequately challenged in her classes. Additionally, as Tiffany began to talk about her future plans, she expressed a strong desire to attend the University of Florida and pursue a career as a veterinarian. Tiffany was a bright and independent young lady, but Janice worried that her determination would be stifled if she continued in an environment that didn’t provide the tools to foster her growth and inspire her to reach for her full potential.

As they explored their options, one school came to the forefront – Saint Brendan High School in Miami. The school had everything they hoped for – a strong academic program with separate academies within the school, similar to college majors, that allow students to focus on specific areas of study including medical sciences, STEM, law and business and visual and performing arts. While she would not be able to afford the tuition on her own, Janice discovered that they would qualify for a tax credit scholarship from AAA, easing the financial burden and giving Tiffany the chance to pursue her dreams.

“As a parent, you want to do anything possible to make sure your child is given the opportunity to flourish and achieve their goals,” says Janice. “The AAA Scholarship Foundation opened the door for my daughter, enabling her to access educational options that were out of reach.”

In the fall of 2021, Tiffany began her ninth-grade year at Saint Brendan High. The school’s advanced coursework has provided the challenge she was craving and as a result, she is excelling. Thanks to her hard work and perseverance, she was one of 30 students accepted into the school’s medical sciences academy, enabling her to access a specialized curriculum, electives and other activities to prepare for college and her future career as a veterinarian.

The school’s positive atmosphere has also inspired her to break out of her shell and take on new challenges outside of the classroom, such as joining the volleyball team and participating in extracurricular activities such as art club, medical club and key club. Additionally, while taking on a sport the first semester is typically difficult for students transitioning from middle school to high school, Tiffany was able to manage the added responsibility and still keep her grades up.

As a single parent, Janice still makes sacrifices for Tiffany to attend Saint Brendan, but she knows the outcome is well worth it.
“The AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors have made all this possible,” says Janice. “Thank you for giving parents like me the ability to help our children’s dreams come true. Your support is making a world of difference for so many students and serving as a stepping stone towards a successful future. We are so grateful!”

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 this spotlight.

The Guerrero Family

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Guerrero children standing near school busThe Guerrero Family
Havana, Florida

“If I were to tell my younger self how much of an impact the scholarship had on changing my life for the better, I would be in shock,” says Krystal Guerrero, an 11th-grade student at Robert F. Munroe School in Havana, Fla., and a third-year Florida Tax Credit scholarship recipient from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA).

Many of our readers may be familiar with Krystal and her family from a spotlight story in 2019, not long after receiving their AAA scholarships. Krystal is the eldest daughter of Juan and Jelen Guerrero and the big sister to Paola, Genesis and Juan Jr. Juan and Jelen are hard-working parents determined to provide their children with opportunities they did not have growing up, including a solid educational foundation. Juan began working at the young age of 14 to help his parents financially, and neither he nor Jelen was able to finish high school. When they had children of their own, they wanted to make sure that their own children would have the chance to build promising futures no matter what sacrifices they had to make.

Krystal Guerrero and her dogFrom a young age, Krystal had a strong desire to succeed. However, coming from a primarily Spanish-speaking household, Krystal faced challenges in elementary school as she tried to grasp the subject matter coupled with the language barrier she faced in her daily interactions with teachers and peers. Even when the Guerreros transferred Krystal to a different public school, she continued to face obstacles and was not receiving the help she needed. And although she was struggling herself, she felt responsible for making sure her younger siblings were getting the help they needed. Unable to keep her head above water, she fell further behind in school.

Worried about their daughter’s wellbeing and future, as well as that of her siblings, Juan and Jelen searched for a school that would be better suited to their children’s learning needs. They found everything they were looking for in Robert F. Munroe Day School – dedicated teachers who share their love of learning with each student, a family-like atmosphere, and an array of classes, after-school clubs and extracurricular activities to help prepare students for higher learning and inspire them to become productive, engaged members of the community. Additionally, through the school, the Guerreros discovered that their children would qualify for a Florida Tax Credit Scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation. With an approval letter from AAA in hand, and the financial barriers lifted, the Guerreros began their journey at Munroe Day School during the 2018-19 school year, setting them on a path that would lead to remarkable changes for their whole family.

From the time Krystal entered Munroe Day School, she received the help she needed as the teachers not only encouraged her to fulfill her potential but also provided her with the tools and confidence to set goals for herself. Now in the 11th grade, she is dual-enrolled at Tallahassee Community College and working towards earning her associate degree. She loves the challenge of taking college-level courses while in high school, especially her literature class, where she gets to practice her love of reading and writing. As she thinks about her future after high school, she has a strong calling to pursue a career in the medical field and plans to obtain a degree in nursing. She hopes to attend the University of Florida or even a college out of state.

Three Guerrero children standing together“I want to help others,” Krystal says as to her reason for choosing this career field. “I feel in my heart the need to be there for people.”

Aside from her dedication to her academic work, Krystal has become involved in the extracurricular activities and clubs offered at Munroe Day School over the years – such as volleyball and Anchor Club, a youth service organization that helps students give back to their communities through volunteer work.

Krystal’s younger siblings have also grown by leaps and bounds at their parent-selected school. Paola, who is now in the 8th grade, is doing well in her classes and even won the Heart of a Bobcat award from school. She has also joined the junior Anchor Club this year and hopes to run for club president, something she accredits to the school and the AAA Scholarship.

“We wouldn’t have been able to come to this amazing school if it weren’t for the donors and the scholarship,” says Paola. “I am willing to run for president of a club. Never would I have gotten the confidence to do that at my old school.”

Youngest Guerrero child making a peace sign with his fingersGenesis, the youngest sister in the Guerrero family, is now in fourth grade and consistently brings home A’s and B’s and has found a love of learning and plenty of friendships at school. Juan Jr., the youngest of the Guerrero siblings, was able to begin his educational journey on the right track at Munroe Day School and is now enjoying each day of his first-grade class. He comes home excited about his day with plenty of stories to tell.

The family’s experience has also led to new opportunities for Juan and Jelen. For years, Juan worked long hours in the scorching heat as a construction worker to provide for his family, while Jelen was a stay-at-home mother tending to the needs of their four children. Recently, job opportunities became available at Robert F. Munroe Day School for both Juan and Jelen, allowing them to be involved in their children’s everyday lives while continuing to support the financial needs of their family. Juan now does maintenance for the school while Jelen works as a custodian. They also drive the school van to assist students with transportation to and from the school.

“My Dad has always been a hard worker,” says Krystal. However, she says that his old job in construction required him to have long hours away from their family. Now she enjoys seeing him in the hallways at school, and most of all, seeing how the change in careers has had such a positive impact on her family. “It’s amazing and the best part for me is that he is more present in my life than he used to be. He smiles more, he jokes around more – he’s finally happy.”

Krystal credits the scholarship program and her school for the tremendous impact it has not only had on her and her siblings’ education but their family life.

“Thanks to the AAA Scholarship, I can actually picture my future – and my siblings’ future – and I know life will be good,” says Krystal. “AAA and its donors have opened doors for us – doors we never knew existed. We are beyond grateful!”

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 copy of this student spotlight.

 

Maya Macias

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Maya Macias

Maya Macias
Phoenix, Arizona

U.S. Army Veteran Robert Macias and his wife Lydia have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of three children, including two adult sons and their daughter, 12-year-old Maya Macias.  Although Maya was always a good student behavior-wise, a move to a new state coupled with a learning environment that fell short of engaging and challenging her, the Macias family found themselves searching for educational options for their daughter.  A tax credit scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA) made it possible for her to attend a school where she could increase her academic performance and grow her self-confidence, enabling her to become an engaged and ambitious student.

The Macias family moved from California to Phoenix several years ago and Maya enrolled in her local public elementary school.  The oldest two Macias children had attended public elementary and middle school in California with no issues, so Robert and Lydia assumed that Maya would be getting the same level of education as her brothers in their new community.  But they soon learned that not every school is suited to meet the needs of every child.

At first, it appeared that Maya was doing well in her new school.  However, the move from California to Arizona had been a hard adjustment for her and she became shy and introverted, especially in school.  Because Maya was not disruptive like some of her other classmates, the teachers regularly reported on her good behavior in class and Robert and Lydia were under the impression that she was continuing to develop the academic skills she would need to further her education.  Unfortunately, they soon learned that she was falling behind in math and reading and not performing at the top of her capabilities.

“As we began to look into ways we could help, it became clear that Maya needed to be in a school that would help her open up and become more engaged in learning, and even challenge her,” says Robert.

While researching options in their area, they found St. Jerome Catholic School.  They loved the community-like feeling and challenging academic programs that the school offered and felt that it would be a good fit for Maya.  However, being able to afford the tuition presented a challenge for the family.  Thankfully, the school connected them with AAA and they were able to receive a scholarship for Maya to attend the school, easing their financial burden and giving them hope for their daughter’s future.

Maya began attending St. Jerome in the fifth grade, and the teachers worked with her one-on-one to catch up academically.  The school’s family-like environment made Maya feel more comfortable in her surroundings and as her self-confidence grew, she became less shy and blossomed both in and outside of the classroom, even getting involved in sports activities such as softball and swim team.

Now in the sixth grade, Maya’s parents can see a significant change in their daughter – both at school and at home.

“Maya has become a much more confident student,” says Lydia.  “The knowledge she comes home with daily fortifies that the decision we made to put her in a private school was the right one.”

Even when faced with challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic – including Robert being furloughed from his job for several months in 2020 – the family had a peace of mind knowing that they could keep Maya in a school she loves.

“There are not enough words of appreciation that we can express to the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors for the profound impact this scholarship has had on our daughter and us,” says Robert.   “We thank you for helping Maya be the best person she can be, while learning in a safe environment that is preparing her for the future.”

“You have given our daughter not only academic confidence but self-confidence,” Lydia adds.  “She sees herself making strides and achieving goals and that is something that was made possible by you.  I encourage companies to continue to support these scholarships because there are a lot of families out there who desperately need the help for their children.  You really are making a big difference in our lives and for so many others.”

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 copy of this spotlight.

The Nevada Supreme Court Has Ruled in Favor of Nevada’s Taxpayers Once This Month. Will They Do It Again?

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**UPDATE** Unfortunately, on Thursday, October 7, 2021, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled against Nevada parents, schools, and taxpayers by allowing AB 458 to stand. Although this decision was disappointing, we will not give up our mission to help families with modest means afford to send their children to the educational settings that best fit their learning needs.

We pledge to continue to ask legislators to vote in-favor of allowing the contribution “cap” for the Nevada Educational Choice Scholarship Program to increase annually so that we can once again add new students. We ask that all interested parties do the same by letting your elected officials know what a scholarship would mean to you and to your family. Here is a link if you need to look up the name of your Nevada elected officials. A short email or phone call to one of more could make a big difference in that effort. Thank you!

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On Thursday, May 13, 2021, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled in favor of Nevada’s taxpayers, stating that “[b]ased on the plain language of the supermajority provision, we conclude that it applies to the subject bills [SB 551 and SB 542] because they create, generate, or increase public revenue. Because the bills did not pass by a two-thirds majority in the Senate, those portions of the bills that would require a supermajority vote are unconstitutional.” The Justices went on to state, “[a]nd, by using the word ‘any,’ the provision has broad application and applies to all bills that create, generate, or increase the public revenue at any time.”

First page of the Nevada Supreme Court decision 21-13709

The first page of the Nevada Supreme Court decision 21-13709

We wholeheartedly agree with their opinion! So much so that we joined with Nevada parents, schools, and business taxpayers to ask the Institute for Justice to help us file a lawsuit against AB 458 arguing that it is also unconstitutional because it has the same result as both SB 551 and SB 542: it is a bill that increases public revenue but did not pass by a two-thirds majority in the Senate!

The two cases are remarkably similar in that, but for these bills, the state would not have received increased revenue. The details of the cases are slightly different in that AB 458 removed the automatic ten percent annual increase in modified business tax (MBT) credits available to Nevada employers who donate to eligible non-profits like AAA Scholarship Foundation to fund the Nevada Educational Choice Scholarship Program, whereas SB 551 and SB 542 removed the sunsetting of an increase in the MBT tax rate and a DMV fee, respectively.

We applaud the Nevada Supreme Court’s reasoning in its concise and accurate decision finding both SB 551 and SB 542 unconstitutional. It would defy all logic if it did not use that exact same reasoning to find AB 458 unconstitutional as well.

So we have to ask the Nevada Supreme Court Justices, will you rule in favor of Nevada’s taxpayers again this month?

Three AAA Nevada Scholarship Students