AAA Scholarship Foundation

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Thank you for the thank you’s!

March 23, 2022 by admin

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!!

Filed Under: Blog

Tiffany Bello-Spence

March 10, 2022 by admin

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.

Filed Under: Scholarship Spotlight

The Guerrero Family

November 12, 2021 by admin

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.

 

Filed Under: Scholarship Spotlight

Maya Macias

May 31, 2021 by admin

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.

Filed Under: Scholarship Spotlight

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

May 15, 2021 by admin

**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!

* * * * *

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

 

Filed Under: Blog

Julian Loreto

April 1, 2021 by admin

Julian Loreto
Arizona

2020 was a challenging year for many, including children, who had their whole world turned upside down and had to adapt to new ways of learning through virtual platforms and new restrictions for in-person schooling.  For Julian Loreto, who began Kindergarten in the midst of the pandemic while simultaneously dealing with the heartbreak of losing a loved one, this past year was especially difficult.  However, the glimmer of hope was the support he found at his parent-selected school, made possible by a scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation.

Julian’s mom, Roxanna, the oldest of six children, grew up in a less privileged community, where her father was the sole financial provider and access to educational options were limited.  However, the importance of education was a focal point in their family and through hard work and determination, she became the first person in her family to attend and graduate from college.  After earning her degree in criminal justice, Roxanna worked for several years in the juvenile courts helping families with adoptions.

A fulfilling career was not the only life goal Roxanna had set for herself; she also had a strong desire to become a mother, a path that would not be easy.  After several miscarriages, Roxanna became pregnant with Julian, only to encounter more obstacles, including the end of her relationship with Julian’s father and a car accident that left her on bed rest. And then when Julian, who Roxanna calls her “firework,” was born on the Fourth of July, he needed to stay in the NICU for a week due to some complications.  Roxanna vowed to do everything she could to provide a good life for her son once they made it through this tumultuous time.

Thankfully, Julian made it out of the NICU and Roxanna has worked tirelessly to keep her promise since then.  When it came time for Julian to start Kindergarten, Roxanna knew how important it was for her to find the right academic setting, even if it meant making additional sacrifices.  Around this same time, a job change led her to a position at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic School (OMOS) and she saw firsthand how the school would be a perfect fit for Julian.  It was also through OMOS that she learned she would qualify for an AAA scholarship, enabling her to afford the school tuition.

“I felt as a single parent with a limited income, my son’s education should not be limited,” says Roxanna.  “The AAA scholarship allowed my son to have access to the very best education, giving him the tools that will help him achieve academically and lead him to be a happy, successful person.”
Unfortunately, right as Julian was beginning Kindergarten at OMOS in August 2020, tragedy struck.  Roxanna’s father Jose passed away unexpectedly due to arterial plague.  Jose was more than a grandfather to Julian; he served as a father figure and often spent time taking him fishing and teaching him how to fix cars.  The family was beyond heartbroken and Roxanna worried how her father’s passing would impact Julian after an already tough year.  Fortunately, the staff at OMOS took Roxanna and Julian in and cared for them during their time of need, giving them the peace and security they needed after their loss.

“In the world we currently live in, having Julian attend OMOS has been one of the best decisions I have ever made for my son,” Roxanna says.  “I have seen firsthand the behind-the-scenes heroic acts the staff and faculty have done.  During the uncertainty of the pandemic, OMOS has kept the students’ health, academics and knowledge at the forefront.”

Despite all the challenges Julian has faced this year, he is off to a great start in school thanks to the caring staff and advanced curriculum at OMOS.  He loves math and looks forward to homework each day so that he can show off his newly acquired skills.

“The world is always changing, but what doesn’t change is the importance of education,” says Roxanna.  “I hope Julian continues to further his education and is inspired to be the best he can be, while fulfilling his inner strengths and contributing to this changing world.”

While Julian’s positive attitude and determination will undoubtedly help him succeed, Roxanna acknowledges how those who have stepped up to help are playing a crucial role in his achievements.

“Students are able to succeed thanks to the supporters who surround them, such as parents, relatives, teachers, counselors and mentors,” says Roxanna.  “Support also comes in the form of organizations, foundations and individuals who wield their influence and passion to advocate for students on a broader scale.  It is the kind of work that the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its partners are involved in – seeking to make future success possible for all students.  While power comes in numbers, even one supporter can make a life-changing impact on a student.  As a parent and an employee of a school that sees firsthand the impact of these scholarships, I extend my sincere gratitude!”

 

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.

Filed Under: Scholarship Spotlight

Gabriel Lozada Giannini

March 16, 2021 by admin

Gabriel Lozada Giannini
Montessori School of Fort Myers
Fort Myers, FL

The first day of Kindergarten is an important milestone for any parent, as their child begins their educational journey.  However, much of the excitement can turn to stress and uncertainty when a global pandemic and school closures are added to the mix.  Such was the case for Fiorella Giannini and her young son Gabriel, a first year AAA Scholarship recipient. 

Fiorella emigrated from Peru six years ago, in search of expanded opportunities and a better future for her family, which includes her daughter Kiara (now 18), and her son Gabriel (now 5), who was born shortly after the family came to the U.S. 

“As a family of first-generation immigrants in the United States, it has been a big challenge to follow our dreams, but we are really happy to have been adopted by this country and we want to be people who bring positivity to our community,” says Fiorella. 

For Fiorella, she knew the path to success for her children meant ensuring that they receive a good education.  Kiara, who is currently in the 12th grade, attended public school, and Fiorella planned to send Gabriel to their local neighborhood school as well.  However, the Covid-19 pandemic affected many things, including education, as many schools shifted to teach virtually and adapted many restrictions for in-person learning.  Although nervous to have Gabriel start Kindergarten during this unprecedented time, Fiorella knew his education was important for his academic and social growth, while also providing some type of normalcy. 

However, a short time after Gabriel started Kindergarten, Fiorella saw his confidence dwindling as he struggled in school and became frustrated because he was not comprehending the subject matter.  Realizing that he needed a more individualized environment, Fiorella explored her options and came across the AAA Scholarship Foundation, which would enable her to find the right academic setting for Gabriel.  Once approved for the scholarship, she found the right fit for Gabriel at the Montessori School of Fort Myers. 

Upon enrolling in the school, Gabriel’s teacher Miss Wendy made an individualized learning plan for him to help him reach his goals.  The Montessori School uses what is called “PEACEFUL” principles to provide an individualized approach to nurture each child’s love of learning, with a goal to shape independent, confident and out-of-the-box thinkers.  This academic environment combined with Fiorella’s willingness to work with her son and his teacher, has helped put Gabriel on the right path. 

“Gabriel is a boy who is very active, curious and free,” says Fiorella.  “And the help from AAA has permitted him to access an education where they incentivize him and help him to be independent and confident and to learn in an environment of peace and integrity.” 

While he has only been at the Montessori school a short time, Gabriel is already showing improvement in his work and communication.  His happy demeanor and confidence have also returned.  As a result, Fiorella’s mind is at ease knowing that she made the right academic choice for her child. She is grateful to the school for meeting her son’s needs and to the AAA Scholarship Program for making it possible. 

“They are helping him to become a person who will accomplish his goals while having his capabilities, dreams and feelings in mind,” says Fiorella.  “I thank everyone who donates to this organization – your generosity allows families like ours to raise kids that with no doubt will be men and women who will generate good actions to our community and this country.” 
 

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.

Filed Under: Scholarship Spotlight

Dane and Vivianna Valenti

February 24, 2021 by admin

Dane and Vivianna ValentiDane and Vivianna Valenti
Nevada

When Mark and Nicole Valenti married and blended their families together, eventually becoming a family of seven, they agreed that their children’s education would take a top priority. And, for a time, their finances allowed them to choose the learning environment that would help foster their children’s development. However, a significant loss of income, and the extra blow from a global pandemic, threw them off course. While they worked to pick up the pieces, scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation helped to bridge a gap to ensure their children’s education was not interrupted.

With three children between them when they married, Mark and Nicole already knew the importance of ensuring their children had a solid educational foundation. So, when they had two children together – Dane and Vivianna – the Valentis wanted to make sure their youngest children were given the same start. Initially, Mark’s job enabled them to afford the tuition at a local private school and the children were thriving. However, Mark, who was the primary financial provider for the Valenti family, unexpectedly lost his job as a consultant, while an illness prevented Nicole from working more than part-time hours. Partial scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation enabled them to keep the children at the school, but then the Covid-19 pandemic hit, further crippling the family’s finances.

Loans from family members helped the Valentis cover living expenses for the time being, but they were at a crossroads on how they would continue to afford their children’s school tuition. They feared further disrupting Dane and Vivianna’s lives by pulling them from not only a school they knew and loved, but also the resources that Vivianna was receiving due to her Individual Education Plan (IEP) for reading comprehension. Thankfully, they received continued scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation during this time, eventually meeting the criteria for full AAA scholarships, making it possible for Dane and Vivianna to stay at their parent-selected school.

“Like many other families in the midst of this pandemic, we had an incredible amount of stress and pressure just to keep our family afloat financially,” says Nicole Valenti. “AAA Scholarships helped to alleviate our fears of having to take our children out of an environment where they were flourishing.”

The ability to attend a school of choice has enabled Vivianna and Dane to develop academically (they are both straight A students) and take full advantage of the educational resources and extracurricular activities available, such as speech and debate teams and art competitions, as well as giving back to their community through volunteer work. Although Covid-19 shutdowns suspended most sports activities they were involved in, both Dane and Vivianna previously excelled in sports as well, with Dane playing competitive soccer on a club-level team and Vivianna previously winning title of female athlete of the year and serving as the only female on the flag football team.

This school year, Vivianna, now in 6th grade, and Dane, now in 7th grade, have continued on to Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School in Las Vegas, where they both continue to grow academically and build upon their skills for the future. Vivianna has served as a school ambassador and loves English and writing thanks to the help she has received in the subject area. She talks about one day being a zoologist or dermatologist, but also has a creative side that leaves the door open for other career paths. Dane is involved in the broadcasting program at the school, inspiring him to possibly combine it with his love of sports and become a sports broadcaster one day. He also aspires to be a professional soccer player as well. With the solid foundation they are building, we are confident both children will accomplish any goals they set forth for themselves.

Nicole and Mark are incredibly thankful to those that make the scholarship program possible, providing assistance for families when they need it most. It is their hope that once they can recover financially and no longer need the scholarships that they can then pay it forward and help more children receive these same opportunities.

“To the donors and supporters of the AAA Scholarship Foundation – words cannot express the gratitude, as parents, that we feel towards your kindness,” says Mark Valenti. “We are forever grateful for your generosity. You should be proud of the help you are giving families such as ours and the opportunities you are giving to so many children through these scholarships.”

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

Filed Under: Scholarship Spotlight

Dekendrick Wilson

December 7, 2020 by admin

Dekendrick Wilson
2020 Graduate
Fort Lauderdale, FL

2020 was a year full of challenges for many, but for Dekendrick Wilson, the silver lining was completing high school and receiving his diploma – a significant milestone that was made possible by his determination and an AAA scholarship that enabled him to attend a school that put him on a path to success.

Dekendrick attended public school through elementary and middle school, but over the years his grades began to decline and his grade point average (GPA) dropped to a 1.9 by his 10th grade year.

“I was overwhelmed, but I wasn’t sure how to get help,” says Dekendrick. “There were a lot of kids in my classes and I was not able to get the one-on-one attention I needed.”

Dekendrick and his mom, Toni Grant, knew changes needed to be made, but were unsure of their options. Dekendrick has five other biological siblings and lives with his single mom; private school appeared to be out of reach financially. However, a scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation opened up a world of opportunity and Dekendrick was able to enroll in JAM Preparatory Academy of Excellence during his 11th grade year.

Founded in 2016, JAM Preparatory Academy focuses on individualized learning with one-on-one support to either remediate student skills if deficient or enrich students working on and above grade level. The school focuses on kinesthetic learning, where students learn through hands-on experiences, technology and industry professionals. JAM also implements a gradual release model, which allows students to see models and examples of what they are expected to learn.

With the individualized attention he received from his teachers at JAM Prep, Dekendrick was able to really focus on his work and his grades began to improve. By the time he reached his senior year, he had brought his GPA up from a 1.9 to above a 3.0.

“Attending JAM Prep helped me completely change my mindset because my teachers believed in me and gave me the confidence to try my best,” says Dekendrick. “They taught me that in order to accomplish something, you have to work hard and work smart. They taught me how to set goals for myself.”

Dekendrick’s perseverance and hard work stood out to the staff at JAM Prep as well, as he began to excel both in and out of the classroom.

“Dekendrick’s school performance, motivation and work ethic not only improved, but catapulted to the next level while at JAM Preparatory Academy of Excellence,” says Dr. Martine Joseph-Johnson, principal of the school. “The academic support provided by the staff gave him what he needed to excel beyond his expectations. The athletic program gave him the confidence needed to literally score the winning touchdown at South Florida’s annual private versus public school football tournament. His work ethic became more evident in school, during his community service as well as on the football field.”

With nearly 25 percent of students at JAM Prep receiving an AAA scholarship, and still more receiving other forms of financial assistance, Dr. Joseph-Johnson has seen firsthand the tremendous impact that educational options have on students like Dekendrick. “The AAA Scholarship program has lifted the burden off several families at our school, allowing them to overcome the financial struggles of paying for a private education and smaller learning environments,” she says.

Like most of the students in our country, the Covid-19 pandemic greatly impacted Dekendrick’s senior year. Traditional festivities at his school – like prom and the senior picnic – were cancelled. But learning continued – albeit virtually – and Dekendrick proudly received his high school diploma in the Spring of 2020 and even earned a full scholarship to attend Miles College in Birmingham, Ala.

While the Covid-19 pandemic also caused him to delay his plans to attend college immediately, Dekendrick is utilizing his time at home to gain some valuable work experience and save up some money. He hopes to begin college in the spring of 2021, even if that means taking online courses. When asked about his goals for the next five years, Dekendrick has his sights set high. He wants to master the stock market, pursue a career in the business field and perhaps even dabble in real estate.

When asked what he would say to the donors who make the scholarship program possible, Dekendrick says, “I am honored and truly appreciative of the opportunities they gave me. And I would encourage companies to continue to support these scholarships so you can help other kids like me. In doing so, you are helping them change their mindset, helping them to believe in themselves and making it possible for them to change their 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 version of this Student Spotlight.

Click here to apply for a scholarship for your child.

Filed Under: Scholarship Spotlight

Scholarships Save Lives (and now we have proof!)

December 4, 2020 by admin

A new peer-reviewed study released by the journal  School Effectiveness and School Improvement indicates that an increased ability to choose the educational settings that is the best fit for a child has a positive effect on the mental health of the child as they reach adolescence and into adulthood.

The study examined suicide rates of adolescents and adults in states where private voucher and charter school laws had been enacted. Controlling for other factors, the study found that “[s]tates adopting charter school laws witness declines in adolescent suicides…” and “…private schooling reduces the likelihood that individuals report having mental health issues as adults.”

At AAA, we hear from families every day that receiving a scholarship positively affects them – in more ways that just changing where their child attends school. We have always known anecdotally that these scholarships save lives but now we have empirical proof! Please help us save more lives by telling a friend or family member about our scholarships.

You can find a link to the full study (and many others) here.

Filed Under: Blog

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