School Choice Options Evolving in Nebraska

Applications for Nebraska Education Scholarships Now Open Through Oct. 20

The 2024-2025 school year has brought exciting changes to the world of school choice opportunities in Nebraska. Now even more students are eligible for Education Scholarships through LB1402. Applications are NOW OPEN and the DEADLINE to APPLY is Oct. 20 for current students who meet eligibility guidelines, or anyone considering transferring during the current semester.

Students transferring from a public school and current students who meet income eligibility requirements who are residents of Nebraska are eligible to apply for a Nebraska Education Scholarship. Those transferring from a public school must have previously attended public school for at least one semester.  Priority is given to those with the most financial need. Nebraska Education Scholarships were established under LB1402. Each of the Lutheran Schools of Lincoln are qualifying private schools where students may use Nebraska Education Scholarships.

Parents who are interested in private, Christian education for their children should take a moment to learn about all of the wonderful opportunities the five Lutheran Schools of Lincoln offer. From early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school level education – LSL has your family covered. Please note that Nebraska Education Scholarships are available to students in grades K-12.

Those who are interested in potentially transferring their students to an LSL institution are encouraged to make contact with the school of their choice as soon as possible. As a reminder, the deadline to apply for the current round of Nebraska Education Scholarships is Oct. 20.

Click here for more information: Nebraska Education Scholarship Information

Deadline to claim tax credit for scholarship contributions is Oct. 21

There is still time for Nebraska taxpayers to receive tax credits for contributions to help fund scholarships to private schools in Nebraska, including scholarships to attend the Lutheran Schools of Lincoln. The deadline to contribute is Oct. 21. After this date, LB753, the Opportunity Scholarships Tax Credit Act, will sunset.

Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska, established under LB753, are being replaced by Nebraska Education Scholarships, established under LB1402. The key differences between LB753 and LB1402 are how these scholarships are funded and who is eligible to receive them. LB753 was funded through tax-credit contributions from individuals, businesses, and corporations. There was a hard $25M cap on how much in tax credits could be raised. These tax credits were then awarded to eligible students through a scholarship granting organization. LB1402 provides for $10M in appropriations to be specifically used for education scholarships. These funds do not have to be raised through tax-credit contributions. Another key difference between the bills is that under LB1402 students already enrolled in qualifying private schools could be eligible for a scholarship should they meet the guidelines. Under the previous bill, current students were not eligible.

There have been many families at the various Lutheran Schools of Lincoln who have been blessed by receiving a tax credit scholarship through Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska. To date, roughly $5.3M has been raised statewide and the average scholarship amount was $1,550 awarded to more than 1500 students.  Please don’t miss out on this opportunity to receive a tax credit for contributions that make quality Christian education accessible to more families. To make a tax credit contribution, please visit www.nebraskaopportunity.org/giving.

On the Ballot in November

An effort has been successful in getting LB1402 on the ballot in November for a vote. A vote to RETAIN Referendum 435 keeps LB1402 as law and will allow more families to access faith-based education and attend a school of their choice. It would make private, Christian schools, including the Lutheran Schools of Lincoln, accessible to even more families who will hear the Gospel news of Jesus! A vote to repeal LB1402 challenges the future of school choice in Nebraska, further jeopardizing the Opportunity Scholarships and Education Scholarships that some families have received, and putting a financial hurdle in front of them and other families that would otherwise choose faith-based education for their child(ren), but simply don’t have the means to make it possible. Please keep this issue in your prayers.