Empowering Arizona's Future
Transforming Education Through Opportunity
Discover how Arizona School Choice Trust has been a beacon of hope for families, providing scholarships and fostering educational opportunities for over three decades.
Our Journey and Impact
Milestones in Our Legacy
Explore the pivotal moments that have shaped Arizona School Choice Trust’s mission and impact.
'93
Foundation of ASCT
Arizona School Choice Trust was established, marking the beginning of our mission to provide educational scholarships to Arizona’s children.
'98
First 1,000 Scholarships Awarded
We celebrated a significant milestone by awarding our 1,000th scholarship, expanding educational opportunities for students statewide.
'05
Certification as a School Tuition Organization
ASCT received official certification, enhancing our ability to receive tax credit contributions and support more students.
'15
Expansion of Scholarship Programs
We broadened our scholarship programs to include additional support for foster children and those with disabilities, furthering our inclusive mission.
Transforming Lives Through Education
The mission of Arizona School Choice Trust is to provide hope and opportunity to Arizona’s low-income children, children with special needs and foster children through the administration of three state tax credit scholarship programs.
– Individual Tuition Tax Credit
– Corporate Tuition Tax Credit
– Disabled/Displaced Corporate Tuition Tax Credit
ASCT is proud to have been ranked the #1 School Tuition Organization in 2013 by Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options (HCREO) and was the 2015 Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce IMPACT Community Champion Award Winner. ASCT has celebrated 30 years serving Arizona students.
Empowering Arizona's Future
In 1991, Jack and Isabelle McVaugh were impressed after reading about a scholarship program for low-income families in Indiana. The McVaugh’s had been fortunate enough to be able to send their children to the best schools possible, but knew that many low-income families did not have the same opportunity. Their vision was to enhance K-12 education for all of Arizona’s children by giving parents the freedom to choose the school that best met their child’s needs, regardless of zip code or income. On May 11, 1993, with the help of friends and business associates, they established Arizona School Choice Trust, a privately funded scholarship program for families whose household income qualified for the federal free and reduced-price school lunch program. Within days of announcing the scholarship program in the newspaper, 500 students applied. What started in 1993 with 54 scholarships has grown to thousands of scholarships to children across Arizona.
A Vision and Passion for School Choice
To honor Isabelle and Jack McVaugh and their vision and passion for school choice and also in remembrance of Jack Londen, longtime ASCT supporter and philanthropist, we have started a memorial college scholarship. We offer a college scholarship opportunity to our high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership and entrepreneurship. Applications are available by contacting ldreckman@asct.org.
Our Impact in Numbers
- Scholarships Awarded 90%
- Low-Income Families Supported 80%
- Foster Children Benefited 70%
%
Children with Disabilities Assisted
What Our Families Say
★★★★★
“Arizona School Choice Trust has been a blessing for our family. The scholarship allowed my daughter to attend a school that truly understands her needs. We are forever grateful for this opportunity.”
Kathryn Nicholas
Mother of Scholarship Recipient
★★★★★
“Thanks to ASCT, I was able to attend a school where I felt supported and encouraged to reach my full potential. This scholarship changed my life.”
Travis Thompson
Scholarship Recipient
Join Our Mission to Empower Arizona's Youth
Your support can transform lives. By donating to Arizona School Choice Trust, you help provide scholarships that open doors for children in need. Spread the word about our mission and make a lasting impact on Arizona’s future.