Denver resident Mariah Wakefield faced limited options in finding a school suited to the unique gifts of her adoptive daughter, Jasiya. “She needed more for her to succeed,” Wakefield told Fox News Digital. Jasiya had previously been enrolled in Denver Public Schools.
The bond between Wakefield and Jasiya deepened when Wakefield became her legal guardian after Jasiya’s mother passed away in 2013. As Jasiya navigated her education, Wakefield faced challenges like household changes and personal instability. Despite these trials, she focused on Jasiya’s future.
Help came in the form of ACE Scholarships, a national Scholarship Granting Organization. This assistance allowed Wakefield to enroll Jasiya in a school where she could thrive.
ACE Scholarships recently launched an awareness campaign highlighting President Donald Trump’s federal school choice initiative. The program uses the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), offering individual taxpayers a federal tax credit up to $1,700 for contributions to qualified nonprofit SGOs, $3,400 for married couples filing jointly. State governors must opt into the program for local families to participate.
Over half of U.S. states have joined. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis was the first Democratic governor to participate, noting the program’s crucial funding for educational programs. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul faces similar calls as states explore enrollment options.
A Department of Education official stated “competitive pressure” would push blue states to capitalize on donations resulting from the tax credit incentive. Trump’s school choice initiative responds to blue city school districts struggling with enrollment post-pandemic.
School choice has long been debated. Many Democrats argue it diverts funds from public schools and weakens unions. Nevertheless, demand for alternative education, including charter and private schools, and homeschooling has surged since COVID-19, prompting leaders to reconsider their positions.
ACE Scholarships, founded 26 years ago, advocates for school choice. They have awarded over 121,000 scholarships valued at over $395 million to students in 13 states. In response to limited schooling options, ACE launched the “Make It Possible” campaign to spread awareness of the EFTC.
The campaign aims to educate taxpayers on how directed tax credits can expand access to K–12 education. ACE will also provide resources to address questions and clarify misconceptions about the initiative.
Denver is among the primary target areas for the campaign, along with Washington, D.C., New York, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Kansas City, Orlando, and Philadelphia. For Wakefield, school choice policies were pivotal in unlocking Jasiya’s potential.
“We had this opportunity and took advantage of it,” Wakefield said. “Everyone should know and have the opportunity for a different outcome for their child.” Jasiya now thrives at Kent Denver School.
Kristy Badger, ACE Scholarships’ chief marketing officer, stated, “Financial circumstances shouldn’t dictate educational opportunities. The EFTC brings new possibilities for countless students in America.”
Joshua Q. Nelson reports for Fox News Digital, covering cultural trends, education, and public policy. He joined Fox News in 2019 after graduating from Syracuse University and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Public Policy Program.