Lauren May, Vice President Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, Step Up For Students, joined Ginny Gentles recently on the Freedom To Learn Podcast to dispel education freedom myths, explain how Florida became a national leader in educational choice, and discuss what to expect from the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. Lauren shares her journey from educator to advocate and describes the evolution of Florida’s school choice landscape, from small scholarship programs launched 25 years ago to universal education savings accounts (ESAs) and other programs serving more than 500,000 students today.
You can tune in below and be sure to subscribe to the Freedom To Learn podcast on Apple Podcasts.
Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program Launch – 2027
For decades, education in America has been defined by boundaries, district lines, ZIP codes, and income brackets. These invisible walls have shaped futures, often limiting opportunities for students who deserve more. But in 2027, those walls are coming down.
The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program is rewriting the rules of education. By incentivizing donations to scholarship-granting organizations, this initiative empowers families to make choices that fit their children’s unique needs, whether that means staying in a public school with added resources, or moving to a private school that offers specialized programs.
A Public School Student’s Story: From Struggling to Thriving
Meet Jasmine, a bright 8th grader in a rural community. Her public school lacked advanced math courses and reliable transportation for after-school tutoring. Through the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship, Jasmine’s family received funding for transportation assistance, a laptop for virtual learning, and weekly tutoring sessions. Today, Jasmine is excelling in algebra and preparing for STEM opportunities that once felt out of reach.
A Private School Student’s Story: Unlocking Specialized Support
Then there’s Ethan, a 10-year-old diagnosed with dyslexia. His local public school tried its best, but resources were limited. With the scholarship, Ethan’s parents enrolled him in a private academy specializing in reading interventions. The result? Ethan now reads confidently and dreams of becoming a writer, proof that tailored education can change lives.
Why This Matters
School choice isn’t about abandoning public education, it’s about expanding opportunity. The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program ensures that public school students can access tutoring, technology, and transportation, while private school students gain entry to specialized programs. It’s a win-win for families, communities, and the future of education.
The Big Picture
When families have options, students thrive. When donors invest in scholarships, they invest in equity. And when policymakers embrace flexibility, they create a system where every child, regardless of ZIP code, can pursue their dreams without boundaries.
For generations, a child’s future has been tethered to their ZIP code. Where you live often determines the quality of your education, and for millions of families, that reality has felt like an unbreakable chain. But what if we could change that? What if every child, regardless of income, neighborhood, or circumstance, had the freedom to attend a school that nurtures their potential?
That’s the promise of the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. This policy isn’t just a line item in a budget; it’s a lifeline for families who have long been denied choices. By incentivizing donations to scholarship-granting organizations, the program opens doors to tutoring, individualized education, private schools, specialized academies, and innovative learning environments that were once out of reach for low- and middle-income families.
Consider the story of a family in an underserved urban community. For years, their child attended a school where overcrowded classrooms and limited resources stifled curiosity and learning. Today, thanks to a scholarship funded through this tax credit, that same child is thriving in a high-performing school with access to advanced coursework and dedicated teachers. The trajectory of their life has changed—not because of luck, but because of opportunity.
At Step Up For Students, we know what happens when families are given the freedom to choose the learning environment that works best for them. Students who once struggled begin to thrive. Parents who may have once felt powerless become active partners in their children’s education. Communities grow stronger as more children find their footing -- and their future.
These outcomes are not theoretical. Researchers at the Urban Institute found that students on the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship – the majority of whom were Hispanic or Black, from low-income homes, and were typically the most struggling students in their prior public schools -- were up to 43 percent more likely than their public school peers to attend four-year colleges, and up to 20 percent more likely to earn bachelor’s degrees.
The new federal program builds on this momentum. It invites states to participate in a model that has already demonstrated success at scale. It respects state autonomy while offering federal support. It ensures that scholarships reach students directly, giving families the power to choose and the flexibility to tailor education to their child’s individual needs.
School choice is not about dismantling public education; it’s about expanding options. It’s about recognizing that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. When we give families the power to choose, we level the playing field. We create a system where dreams aren’t confined by geography, and where every child can pursue an education that aligns with their aspirations.
America has always been a nation of opportunity. The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit is a bold step toward making that ideal a reality for every student. It’s time to embrace school choice as the next great equalizer, because when we invest in freedom and fairness, we invest in the future.
For years, Florida families have seen the transformative power of Step Up For Students scholarships. These programs have opened doors to better schools, personalized learning, and resources that help students thrive. But imagine what happens when those opportunities multiply.
In 2027, families won’t just rely on their Florida state scholarship—they’ll be able to add a federal scholarship on top of it. This isn’t just more funding; it’s more freedom, more flexibility, and more hope for every child in K–12.
Think about the possibilities:
Specialized Programs: Students with learning challenges can receive targeted interventions, therapies, and resources that were once out of reach.
Enhanced Learning Tools: Families can invest in laptops, tablets, and adaptive technology to support virtual learning and specialized instruction.
Tutoring and Academic Support: Extra funds mean access to high-quality tutoring for math, reading, and STEM subjects—helping students close gaps and accelerate progress.
Transportation Assistance: No more worrying about how to get to the school that best fits a child’s needs. Scholarships can cover transportation costs, making choice truly accessible.
The Ripple Effect
When students thrive, families thrive. Parents gain peace of mind knowing their children are in environments that nurture their potential. Communities grow stronger as more students graduate prepared for college, careers, and life.
Research already shows that scholarship students are more likely to attend college and earn degrees. Adding federal support amplifies these outcomes—creating a future where every child has the tools to succeed, regardless of ZIP code or income.
Education is the foundation of opportunity. By combining state and federal scholarships, we’re not just funding education—we’re funding dreams without boundaries. We’re giving families the power to choose, and students the freedom to thrive.
2027 isn’t just another year. It’s the year we redefine what’s possible for Florida’s students. With Step Up For Students and the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.
