Broad Coalition of New York Organizations Launches Six-Figure Campaign Urging Hochul to Unlock Federal Scholarships
An estimated $1.5 billion a year for New York students is on the line, including support for tutoring, transportation, special education services and tuition for yeshiva and Jewish day school families.
NEW YORK, August 12 — Scholarships for All NY, a broad statewide alliance of education, faith, business and community organizations, has launched a six-figure public awareness campaign, thanking Governor Kathy Hochul for signaling early support for the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program and urging her to formally opt New York in once federal regulations are finalized. The campaign was first reported this week by the New York Post.
The program could bring an estimated $1.5 billion annually in scholarship support to New York students without requiring new state spending. Families could use the scholarships for tutoring, after-school programs, transportation, special education services, classroom technology, school supplies, tuition and other educational needs. The funds would be available to eligible students in public and nonpublic schools alike.
The stakes extend beyond whether New York participates. Even if the state opts out, New York taxpayers could still claim the federal credit by supporting scholarship organizations serving students in participating states, potentially directing educational investment generated by New Yorkers to students elsewhere.
The campaign brings together organizations representing public and nonpublic school families, after-school providers, interfaith organizations, chambers of commerce, business and civic leaders, and community groups across New York. Jewish organizations supporting the effort include Teach Coalition, a project of the Orthodox Union, Agudath Israel of America, UJA-Federation of New York and Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, among others.
“This is the largest infusion of support for New York students in a generation, and it does not require a dollar in new state spending,” said Sydney Altfield, CEO of Teach Coalition, speaking on behalf of Scholarships for All NY. “Every family in this state has something to gain here, in every kind of school. We are asking Governor Hochul to bring these scholarships home to New York students.”
“Look at who is sitting at the table,” Altfield said. “Parents from public schools and religious schools, business owners, clergy. These are not people who agree on everything. They agree on this.”
Organizers expressed their appreciation for Governor Hochul’s early support for the program and their hope that she will take the next step by formally opting New York in once federal regulations are finalized.
For many nonpublic-school families, including New York’s yeshiva and Jewish day school community, the impact could be immediate. Tuition remains one of the heaviest financial burdens on families choosing a religious education, while schools and parents also face the cost of services including special education support, transportation, tutoring and after-school programming.
“Every year, tuition gets more expensive, and our schools are spending more just to keep our kids safe. But we still want to raise our children in a way that’s true to who we are and give them a strong Jewish education. New York has always been a place where families like ours could build a life and a community. This program would help make sure we can keep doing that,” said Jonathan Katz, a parent at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach (HALB).
New York would also be among the most consequential states to participate in the new federal program, and organizers say Hochul’s decision could help shape how other states approach implementation.
Scholarships for All NY has also launched an open letter calling on Governor Hochul to bring the federal scholarship opportunity to New York students. New Yorkers can add their names at ScholarshipsForAllNY.com.
ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ALL NY
Scholarships for All NY is a broad statewide alliance of organizations working to bring the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program to New York students. Its members represent public and nonpublic school families, after-school providers, interfaith communities, chambers of commerce, and civic and business leaders from across New York. Learn more at ScholarshipsForAllNY.com.