• What is the Tuition Tax Credit Scholarship program? (Updated 4/6/2009; Views: 468)
  • Is my child eligible to receive a Tuition Tax Credit Scholarship? (Updated 4/6/2009; Views: 650)
  • What is a student scholarship organization (SSO)? (Updated 4/6/2009; Views: 779)
  • Does CEG Grant Scholarships? (Updated 6/9/2009; Views: 273)
  • Are there income limitations to receive a scholarship? (Updated 4/6/2009; Views: 636)
  • Are kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students eligible for a scholarship? (Updated 4/6/2009; Views: 427)
  • How do I know if my child is "eligible to enroll in pre-kindergarten"? (Updated 4/6/2009; Views: 393)
  • How can I apply for a scholarship for my child? (Updated 4/6/2009; Views: 642)
  • Can a child use the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship and a HB 1133 scholarship? (Updated 4/6/2009; Views: 403)
  • Can my child use a scholarship to attend the Georgia Virtual Academy? (Updated 4/6/2009; Views: 403)
  • My child is currently enrolled in a charter school. Are we eligible? (Updated 11/17/2009; Views: 266)

  • What is a student scholarship organization (SSO)?

    Student Scholarship Organizations (SSOs) are non-profit organizations dedicated to granting current public school students scholarships for use at accredited private schools in Georgia.  SSOs, along with private schools, are at the heart of the Tuition Tax Credit Scholarship program (also known as HB 1133). 

    How SSOs Work

    SSOs were created by HB 1133, which was passed by the Georgia General Assemble and signed by Governor Sonny Perdue in May 2008.  Georgia taxpayers may donate to any SSO and receive a dollar for dollar state income tax credit in return.  These donations are then used to fund scholarships for public school students transferring to a private school.

    How Do SSOs Determine Who Receives a Scholarship?

    All students receiving scholarships from a SSO must be enrolled in a Georgia public school or eligible to enroll in a state pre-kindergarten or kindergarten program.  Students must also be a Georgia resident.  Aside from these mandatory qualifications, SSOs may decide upon other criteria for granting scholarships.

    What Types of Additional Eligibility Criteria Are There?

    • Income Limitations – Two of the ten approved SSOs specifically grant low and middle income children scholarships.  Others allow children from families with any financial background to apply for scholarships. 
    • Specific Types of Schools – All SSOs currently allow for donations to be directed, if so desired, towards students enrolling in certain types of schools.  Many SSOs have funds set up for private schools “partners”.  Others serve only students seeking assistance to attend a certain type of school.
    • Geographic Limitations – Five SSOs serve only students in certain pre-defined geographic areas.  While some serve only students of a certain county, others have established funds for schools in multiple areas.  Others serve students statewide, but allow donors to request that their donations are used for scholarships in their community.

    For more information on which SSO will serve your child best, please feel free to contact us.

    How Do I Contact a SSO?

    The list of qualified SSOs and their contact information can be found here.

     

    Do you need more information or assistance?  Contact us and we will be happy to help you!


    Last updated on 4/6/2009, viewed 779 times