DANIELLE'S SCHOLARSHIP STORY

A year ago, my twin daughters were not doing well in school. They struggled with reading and they were not getting the help they needed. That all changed when my family received a scholarship to attend a nonpublic school.

Because of our scholarship, I felt empowered now that I had a choice in my daughters’ education. Knowing they struggled with reading, I thought they needed an environment focused on developing those skills.

When I discovered St. Nicholas Academy, I was impressed by the school’s emphasis on each individual child and their needs. After talking with school leadership, I knew it was exactly what I wanted for my daughters. Now reading is no longer a chore, but an enjoyable activity.

Often other families do not have this opportunity. Fortunately, the Kentucky General Assembly can change that by passing House Bill 162 and Senate Bill 102.

These bills establish a scholarship tax credit program, which gives individuals and businesses a nonrefundable tax credit for donating to scholarship granting organizations. These organizations take the donations and use them to fund scholarships like the one enabling me to send my daughters to St. Nicholas.

Without a scholarship, I would not be able to send my children to a school that best fits their needs. More scholarships should be available in Kentucky so more families can have a voice in the education of their children.

The Kentucky General Assembly should prioritize scholarship tax credit legislation this session in order to generate more scholarships for Kentucky families. By passing House Bill 162 and Senate Bill 102, the Kentucky General Assembly can expand educational opportunities for all Kentucky families.

Danielle Louisville, KY