New York to become 30th state to join federal school choice tax credit program
Center for Christian Virtue’s Christian Education Network Scholarship Granting Organization positioned to help schools and families maximize historic opportunity
COLUMBUS—New York will opt into the federal school choice tax credit program, becoming the 30th state to join the nationwide expansion of educational freedom and Christian education opportunities.
The Federal School Choice Tax Credit, signed into law in 2025, allows individuals beginning in January 2027 to contribute up to $1,700 to approved scholarship granting organizations and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. Those funds are then distributed as scholarships to help families afford private and faith-based education.
Founded by Center for Christian Virtue, the Christian Education Network Scholarship Granting Organization, known as CEN SGO, was launched earlier this year to serve as a national organization connecting donors, schools and families with the new opportunity.
“This movement continues to gain momentum because governors and state leaders across the country recognize what is at stake for students and families,” said Aaron Baer, Founder of CEN and President of CCV. “New York’s decision to opt in means more parents will have access to an education that aligns with their values, and more children will have the opportunity to thrive in schools that reinforce faith, character and academic excellence.”
While donors in every state will be eligible to contribute and receive the federal tax credit, only students in states that opt into the program can benefit from scholarship dollars.
“The reality is simple: taxpayers in every state are going to participate in this program because the incentive is too significant to ignore,” said Troy McIntosh, Executive Director of CEN. “The question for governors who have not yet opted in is whether those dollars will support families in their own state or flow elsewhere. We are encouraged to see leaders across the country recognizing this opportunity and taking action to ensure their students and schools benefit.”
CEN SGO is designed to help Christian schools and families navigate the process and maximize participation in the federal program. The organization builds on years of work in Ohio, where the network already serves thousands of families and more than 100 Christian schools.
Christian schools, families, and advocates can learn more about the program and state participation at CENSGO.org.
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About CCV
As Ohio's largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel.
About CEN
Launched in 2025, Christian Education Network brings together Evangelical and Catholic schools to advocate at statehouses for the protection and expansion of Christian education. Based on the successful model of the Ohio Christian Education Network, CEN partners with state advocacy leaders to give Christian school leaders a voice in the public policy debates of the day. CEN also partners with local church leaders to launch new Christian schools in churches.
