All Students in Delaware and Maryland deserve the opportunity to access a better school experience!
The FSTC is More Than Tuition. More Than One School. More Than You Think.
And yes, all that is necessary for students in the Diocese of Wilmington to have access to these funds is for Governor Meyer of Delaware and Governor Moore of Maryland to opt-in to the program on behalf of their states.
In the coming weeks you will see more information here and on other diocesan channels about the effort to urge the Governors to opt-in to this program!
What is the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship?
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) is national program enacted by recent federal legislation that allows individuals and businesses to redirect up to $1,700 of their federal taxes to support K–12 scholarships.
These funds go to sanctioned nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which then provide scholarships to help families access the education that best meets their children’s needs.
There is no cost to the state, all the Governor needs to do is opt-in by January 1,2027 in order to allow donor to direct their tax credit to a designated SGO in their state and for families and students to apply for these funds.
Current federal guidelines note that students are eligible to apply for funds from the FSTC if their household is within 300% of the Area Median Income (AMI) where they live. This encompasses more of our local school children than not.
Guidelines also note that a student is eligible regardless of what type of school they attend – public, private, or parochial students are eligible to apply for funds from an SGO.
Read Bishop William E. Koenig’s Pastoral Letter “Let Us Build Together”
The FSTC has the potential to:
- The SGO can support not only Catholic education but also public or alternative education options, making the “opt-in” a win for students in any situation.
- Expand access to educational services that a student cannot receive at their current school – the funds can be used for tutoring, speech or occupational therapy, supplies or technology such as internet access, and even tuition assistance.
- Increase access to quality education for many of Delaware and Maryland’s students by helping provide the tools they need to learn effectively.
- Make up for state budget shortfalls in education funding. A “yes” for Maryland and Delaware’s kids opens a door for the future of education in our states.
Why This Matters for Families and Students in the Diocese of Wilmington:
- Residents of Maryland and Delaware can still claim the credit HOWEVER funds may go to students in other states if the Governors do not opt-in to the program.
- Approximately 30 states have opted-in, we need your help to urge the Governor to opt in for children in Maryland and Delaware!
- Expand access to Catholic education for low- and middle-income families
- Increase tuition assistance across diocesan schools
- Provide new funding for:
- Special education support
- Tutoring and enrichment
- Transportation and related costs
Get Involved
For Parents, Community Members, and Advocates
- Contact the Governor using the link above.
- Stay informed about when the Governor plans to make a decision about opting in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program
- Express interest to your school or parish and encourage friends and neighbors to contact the Governor, too! This program has the power to benefit everyone!
- Watch for announcements about diocesan updates, or if the Governors should opt-in, participating SGOs in Delaware and Maryland.
Key Resources
Official Federal Guidance
- Internal Revenue Service – Learn about the federal tax credit program
Maryland Catholic Conference
(Stay up to date on State legislation in Maryland and how state and local issues will affect Catholic Marylanders)
National Catholic Education Association
(Learn about Public Policy activities affecting Catholic Education at the National level, including the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit)
General Information & Advocacy
- Scholarship Tax Credit – Overview of the federal scholarship tax credit
Catholic School Example (How It Works in Practice)
- St. Mary’s Ryken High School – See how Catholic schools are preparing for the program
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cost me anything?
In many cases, no. As a donor to the program, the tax credit offsets your federal tax liability dollar-for-dollar (up to $1,700).
When can I apply for scholarships?
The program begins in 2027, should the Governors of Maryland and/or Delaware opt-in, more details will be made available.
Who qualifies for scholarships?
Generally, students from low- and middle-income families (up to ~300% of area median income). Your family may qualify and not realize it.
Can this help my child even if they go to public school?
Yes. SGOs can provide scholarships for eligible students regardless of what school they attend.
What the Catholic Church Says About Education and the Common Good
- Gravissimum educationis – DECLARATION ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION GRAVISSIMUM EDUCATIONIS PROCLAIMED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON OCTOBER 28, 1965
- Drawing New Maps of Hope – Apostolic Letter DRAWING NEW MAPS OF HOPE of Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Conciliar Declaration Gravissimum educationis (28 October 2025)
- Fratelli tutti – ENCYCLICAL LETTER FRATELLI TUTTI OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON FRATERNITY AND SOCIAL FRIENDSHIP (3 October 2020)