By Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb. - Governor Pillen signed an executive order to opt-in to the new nationwide scholarship tax credit program passed by the U.S. Congress in 2025. This program will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027, and will allow taxpayers to claim a federal income tax credit for contributions given to approved scholarships granting organizations (SGOs). SGOs then distribute K-12 scholarships to students who qualify.
Statement from Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska board co-chairs Rick Bettger and Kim Schroll:
"We applaud Governor Jim Pillen for ensuring that Nebraska students and families will benefit from the new nationwide scholarship program passed by Congress this summer. We also thank Congressman Adrian Smith for introducing and championing the legislation to empower families with educational choice. This scholarship program will give hope to countless kids across the state of Nebraska, and OSN stands ready to help serve and guide parents to access the best education for their children."
MORE ABOUT OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS OF NEBRASKA:
Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska (OSN) served as a state-approved scholarship granting organization (SGO) and helped implement Nebraska's first school choice program, the Opportunity Scholarships Act (LB753), in 2024. With funds raised through tax credit contributions, OSN awarded over 4,000 scholarships to Nebraska students in need. Visit nebraskaopportunity.org to learn more.