AFC Scholarship Fund and Step Up for Students to Partner and Bring Education Freedom Tax Credit to Florida Students and Families

Dallas, TX – AFC Scholarship Fund, an affiliate of the American Federation for Children, and Step Up For Students are pleased to announce a partnership to ensure Florida students can access expanded educational opportunity through the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC). Launched in January, the AFC Scholarship Fund is a scholarship granting organization (SGO) focused on the national donor outreach and acquisition campaign necessary to make the EFTC a success. Step Up For Students has nearly three decades of experience administering Florida’s school choice programs, totaling more than $4 billion in scholarship funding annually, empowering families to access the best possible learning options for their children.

AFC Scholarship Fund is undertaking an ambitious national marketing and donor conversion initiative, particularly in states that lack existing school choice infrastructure; through its federal SGO — Step Up, Step Further — Step Up For Students will build upon its deep operational expertise to maximize this opportunity in Florida.

Together, AFC SF and Step Up, Step Further will work toward the common goal of maximizing EFTC donor participation and scholarship uptake, so Florida families benefit, while both organizations target the highest priorities and opportunities for coordinated collaboration. Ultimately, we will ensure that all families, especially low-income families, can access educational freedom.

Statement from Tommy Schultz, CEO, American Federation for Children:

“The first national school choice law represents the dawning of a new age in American education, and we are committed to its success. It’s a rescue mission, and it must advance in every state. For decades, AFC and our affiliates have been the strongest voice for K-12 parents desperate for options in states across America. We have been proud to stand with Step Up For Students as Florida continued pioneering the nation’s most expansive school choice program that has fueled incredible academic gains across the state. We are eager to continue working together to ensure every student in every state can continue to thrive and have education freedom.”

Statement from John F. Kirtley, Founder and Chairman of Step Up For Students, and AFC Board Vice-Chair:

“Step Up For Students has shown what is possible with Florida’s state-based school choice landscape, and we are excited to pioneer this federal opportunity in the Sunshine State. This strategic partnership with AFC Scholarship Fund will ensure resources are focused and maximized, and every state can soon access the type of opportunity that Florida families have enjoyed, while options continue expanding here. Together, we will build upon years of expertise and our shared dedication to this cause to serve as many kids as possible.”

About the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC):

• Passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the EFTC is the nation’s first-ever national school choice tax credit. Starting in 2027, individuals can contribute up to $1,700 to a 501(c)(3) scholarship granting organization (SGO) and receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their federal income tax liability
• SGOs grant scholarships to K-12 students to cover education-related expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, special needs services, and more
• Students from families earning up to 300% of median gross income by area will be eligible. This covers approximately 90 percent of K-12 students nationwide.
• Governors must opt in to participate. At the time of this release, 31 states have done so or signaled support for opting in.

About AFC:

The American Federation for Children is the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and the most successful force for education freedom in America, passing over 200 laws across 32 states throughout our history. Our affiliated Super PAC, AFC Victory Fund, is the only nationwide Super PAC focused on advancing school choice.

About Step Up For Students:

Step Up For Students is the largest scholarship funding organization in the nation, administering over 500,000 education savings accounts in Florida. Step Up is focused on empowering families to access the best possible learning options for their children.