Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA)
Empowering Families With School Choice
The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) is a federal program that empowers families to choose the best K-12 educational path for their children. Through a system of tax-credit-funded scholarships, students can access tuition support and other education-related funding that helps them thrive in private schools, homeschool environments, or other non-public settings.
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Who Supports the Educational Choice for Children Act
Support for the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) comes from a diverse and growing coalition of families, educators, organizations, and businesses who believe in expanding educational opportunity through school choice.
Parents and Families
Millions of parents across the country support the ECCA because it provides them with real options to choose the best education for their children – whether that means a faith-based school, a STEM-focused academy, or a personalized homeschool environment. Many families credit the ECCA with helping them afford a school that aligns with their values and meets their child’s unique needs.
Nonprofit Scholarship Organizations
Dozens of authorized 501(c)(3) scholarship organizations support the ECCA by managing application processes, distributing funds, and working directly with families. These nonprofits serve as the backbone of the program, ensuring that tax-credit donations reach the students who need them most.
Educators and School Leaders
Private school administrators, homeschool associations, and faith-based educators endorse the ECCA because it helps increase access, enrollment, and educational equity. The funding provides financial stability for schools while ensuring students from all backgrounds can participate.
Faith-Based and Values-Based Institutions
Many religious communities strongly support the ECCA. Catholic dioceses, Christian academies, Jewish day schools, and Islamic learning centers rely on ECCA scholarships to help families afford religious education without financial hardship.
Business and Philanthropic Leaders
Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporate donors support the ECCA because it provides a meaningful way to invest in future generations. With a generous federal tax credit, donors can make a difference in education while supporting causes that align with their values.
Education Policy Advocates
Think tanks and education reform groups such as EdChoice, the American Federation for Children, and the Heritage Foundation have praised the ECCA for promoting school choice, driving innovation, and empowering parents. These organizations often provide research, policy recommendations, and public support for continued program growth.
Community Leaders and Elected Officials
Local leaders, school board members, and lawmakers who champion educational freedom support the ECCA as a solution that benefits both families and communities. They view it as a tool that lifts up students and gives parents a greater voice in education.
Key Benefits of the Educational Choice for Children Act
The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) delivers long-term value to students, families, donors, and communities. Here are the most impactful benefits of the program:
Provides Real Educational Options
The ECCA helps families break free from school district limitations by opening access to private, religious, hybrid, and homeschool programs. Parents can choose what’s best for their child – not just what’s closest to their ZIP code.
Supports Low- and Middle-Income Families
Scholarships are designed to reduce the financial burden on working-class families. The program prioritizes those who otherwise could not afford alternative education, helping to level the playing field.
Improves Student Outcomes
Research shows that access to school choice leads to higher graduation rates, better academic performance, and increased student satisfaction. Students are more likely to succeed when placed in an environment that fits their learning style.
Promotes Educational Equity
By offering scholarships across all regions – including urban, rural, and underserved areas – the ECCA expands opportunity regardless of background, race, or income level.
Encourages Innovation in Schools
When families have options, schools must compete by improving quality, updating curriculum, and offering specialized programs. The ECCA creates a healthier educational marketplace that puts students first.
Strengthens Faith-Based and Mission-Driven Education
Many parents choose religious or values-based schools for moral, cultural, or spiritual reasons. ECCA scholarships make it possible for families to choose schools that align with their beliefs.
Incentivizes Charitable Giving
The ECCA offers generous federal tax credits to individuals and businesses that support education through qualified nonprofit scholarship organizations. This encourages ongoing investment in student success.
Drives Local Economic Growth
Increased enrollment in private and alternative schools creates demand for educators, support staff, transportation, extracurricular programs, and educational resources – all of which benefit local economies.
Gives Parents More Control
Parents are empowered to make meaningful decisions about their child’s future. The ECCA restores the role of the parent in guiding educational outcomes, rather than relying solely on state or district policies.
Reduces Pressure on Public Schools
As more students enroll in alternative programs through ECCA support, public schools can better allocate resources to students who remain. The result is a more balanced and manageable education system.
Promotes Diverse Educational Models
From Montessori and STEM academies to language-immersion schools and specialized therapeutic programs, the ECCA allows families to choose the environment where their child will thrive.
Builds a Culture of Accountability
When families have choices, schools are more accountable to parents and students. The ECCA encourages performance, transparency, and responsiveness across the educational landscape.
What is the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA)?
The ECCA is a federal tax credit program that helps fund K-12 scholarships through private donations. These scholarships support families who choose private, religious, homeschool, or other non-public education options.
Who is eligible to receive scholarships under the ECCA?
Scholarships are awarded to students based on income level, educational need, and eligibility guidelines set by participating nonprofit organizations. The program focuses on serving low- and middle-income families, students with special needs, and those in underserved areas.
What can ECCA scholarship funds be used for?
ECCA funds may be used for private school tuition, homeschooling materials, tutoring, special education services, education-related technology, and other approved academic expenses.
How much is the tax credit for donors?
Individuals can receive up to $5,000 per year in federal tax credits for qualifying donations. Businesses may claim up to $1 million annually. The credit directly reduces a taxpayer’s federal income tax liability.
Is there a cap on how much tax credit can be claimed nationally?
Yes. The ECCA includes a national annual cap on the total tax credits available. This cap helps ensure predictable funding levels and long-term program sustainability. Once the cap is reached in a given year, additional donations will not qualify for a credit until the next calendar year.
How do I donate to support ECCA scholarships?
Donations must be made to IRS-recognized nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations approved under the ECCA program. A list of participating organizations is available through the Department of Education or your local state education office.
Will this impact public school funding?
No. The ECCA is funded entirely by private donations, not by reallocating public education budgets. It adds new resources to the education system and does not reduce funding for public schools.
Is the ECCA available in every state?
Yes. The ECCA is a nationwide federal program. However, the availability of scholarships may vary depending on the presence of participating scholarship organizations in each state.
How can parents apply for an ECCA-funded scholarship?
Parents apply directly through participating nonprofit scholarship organizations. These organizations set application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements, and they manage award distribution.
What makes the ECCA different from other school choice programs?
Unlike voucher programs that rely on public funds, the ECCA operates through private donations incentivized by federal tax credits. It offers families additional choice without affecting public school budgets and promotes a privately supported, voluntary approach to education funding.
ECCA In The News
The form below will connect you with a qualified ECCA representative who can guide you through the process.
ECCA Tax Credit Form
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