FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Corporate Tax Credit (CTC) Scholarships?
The purpose of CTC Scholarships is to provide equal educational opportunities for Florida students by offering low-income families academic choices normally denied them due to their financial status. CTC Scholarships are awarded and disbursed by non-profit foundations designated as eligible Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs) by the state of Florida.
(Back to Top)
How many SFO's are there and what are their names?
There are currently 2 primary Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs) in Florida serving families on a regional basis. Children First Florida (previously known separately as HEROES and Children First Florida) serves students in 43 counties comprising all of north, central and east Florida. Florida PRIDE serves 23 counties including west and south Florida.
(Back to Top)
When can I apply for a scholarship for the 2007-2008 school year?
Applications for the 2007-2008 school year are currently available. Click here to go to the application page.
(Back to Top)
How do students qualify for a CTC Scholarship?
There are three requirements: 1. The student must live in Florida. 2. An eligible student must be EITHER entering 5 year old kindergarten (those children must be 5 years old on or before September 1); entering 1st grade; OR if in 2nd grade or above, must have attended a Florida public school the full school year prior to receiving the scholarship. 3. The family’s income must fall within the published financial guidelines required for eligibility to participate in the Federal School Lunch Program.
(Back to Top)
What if a child already attends a private school?
Children entering 5 year old kindergarten (the child must be 5 years old on or before September 1) OR first grade, may have attended private school the year prior to receiving their scholarship, HOWEVER, students entering second grade or above MUST have attended a Florida public school the ENTIRE year prior to receiving a CTC scholarship.
(Back to Top)
How can I check the income eligibility guidelines for the Federal School Lunch Program?
Amended yearly, the Federal School Lunch Program current guidelines can be found on this website (click here), They are also printed on the scholarship application.
(Back to Top)
Are grades important?
The scholarships are not based on academic requirements. This opportunity is available to all eligible low-income students in grades K - 12 regardless of their previous academic performance.
(Back to Top)
How do I get an application?
An application is available on this web site, click here. (add link to application page)
(Back to Top)
Is Florida P.R.I.D.E. encouraging students to leave the public schools?
Absolutely not. We are providing eligible low-income parents the opportunity to choose the school that best meets their children’s educational needs above their own financial restrictions. We are merely providing families with financial assistance so they can have academic alternatives for their children if they want them.
(Back to Top)
How much is funded if my child is awarded a Florida P.R.I.D.E. Scholarship and what does it cover?
A scholarship for private school is funded up to $3,750 per child, per year. It must be used for tuition or book fees. Books fees may not amount to more than 25% of the tuition cost. A scholarship for public school transportation to a school out of their district is funded up to $500 for travel expenses.
(Back to Top)
What if the tuition is more than the scholarship covers?
If the tuition charged by the school exceeds the $3750 amount of the scholarship, the household is responsible for the additional charges.
(Back to Top)
Can a school supplement a student's scholarship?
Yes, at times the school may award a supplemental scholarship to the household, but if this does not occur, the difference is the sole responsibility of the household.
(Back to Top)
So what happens next year? Can a family expect the scholarship to continue?
The Scholarship may be renewed every year through 12th grade as long as the household and student(s) continue to meet the conditions of eligibility.
(Back to Top)
What if my child is expelled from school?
If a student is expelled from school, he or she will lose the scholarship, with no option to renew. This will not affect the scholarships of any siblings. Students expelled from public school are not eligible for a scholarship.
(Back to Top)
Are Florida PRIDE Scholarships “vouchers”?
Florida P.R.I.D.E. scholarships ARE NOT TUITION VOUCHERS. Tuition vouchers are government-funded and the payments come from the State of Florida. CTC Scholarships are privately funded. The payments for students receiving CTC Scholarships come from the SFO that serves their county.
(Back to Top)
|
