Gov Dunleavy opts Alaska into the Federal K-12 Education Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Governor Mike Dunleavy has signed and advanced Alaska’s decision to participate in a tax credit program creating a one-for-one tax credit for Alaskans’ donations to qualified Scholarship-Granting Organizations (SGOs) -up to $1700 per year for individual contributions.

The program was originally introduced as the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), then incorporated into President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act by lawmakers passed last summer.

In a press release announcing the decision, the Governor said that the scholarship will be made available to eligible families making up to 300% of their area’s median gross income, and can be put towards tuition and fees at private, charter, micro, and home schools, as well as towards dual-enrollment courses, educational therapies, tutors and supplies.

The governor added that this program does not draw funding away from public schools, but allows families to choose schools based on needs, and benefits students in all educational environments at no cost to the State.

“Opting into the ECCA creates another opportunity for families and students to reap the benefits of school choice -something more and more Alaskans are choosing,” said Governor Dunleavy, “all while having no negative impact on the State budget -and allowing an equivalent tax deduction to those who choose to support education through their donations.”

“This credit offers families another valuable tool to utilize in making the best education decision for their students,” said Commissioner Deena Bishop. “Doing everything we can to help our kids earn their success is our mission as educators, and this is another step in the right direction.”

The ECCA will be effective on January 1st, 2027.