Can My Child Get an Education Freedom Tax Credit Scholarship in Minnesota?

Why is it hard for families to access these funds?

The obstacle is not federal — it is a missing state-level authorization. The federal law is already enacted, but it requires each state to “opt in” before any local Scholarship Granting Organization can begin distributing funds to students. Until that official handshake happens between St. Paul and Washington, the scholarship money stays out of reach for your children.

Why is there tension around school choice in our state?

There is a strong cultural and political push in Minnesota to keep education funding locked to a one-size-fits-all system. That creates real pressure for parents who feel their children are being formed by values that contradict their faith. The tension sits between the state’s desire for centralized control and your desire for a learning environment that honors your family’s convictions.

What is our conviction about your role as a parent?

We stand firmly on the truth that God has given parents the primary authority and responsibility for their children’s education. That duty is not granted by the state — it is assigned by the Creator. We view the Education Freedom Tax Credit as a tool of stewardship: a way for you to exercise sovereign agency over how, and where, your child is formed.

What is the legal status of the program?

The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) is the federal legislation that created the EFTC, redirecting private donations into scholarships nationwide. But the law specifically requires each state’s Governor to affirmatively opt in — and Minnesota’s leadership has not taken that step. That leaves Minnesota families at a disadvantage compared with states like Florida and Alabama that are already moving forward.

What can you do to change this?

If you want these scholarships to become a reality for your family, three practical steps make a difference:

• Contact the Governor’s office. Respectfully urge Governor Walz to opt Minnesota into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program.
• Engage your local school. Ask your school leaders whether they are tracking the ECCA and are prepared to partner with an SGO like Renew Scholarships once the state opts in.
• Stay informed. Sign up for our updatesand we will notify you the moment Minnesota’s status changes.

Why does this matter for your child’s future?

This is about more than a tuition check — it is about the heart of your child. Every day in a classroom is a day of spiritual and intellectual formation. By advocating for the EFTC in Minnesota, you are fighting for the freedom to place your child in an environment where God’s truth is the foundation of all learning.