The Diocese of Venice is committed to providing a Catholic education to those who desire it. To that end, the Diocese partners with several external scholarship organizations to provide financial assistance beyond what can be offered at an individual school.
Florida Tax Credit Scholarship
The Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship provides opportunities for K-12 children to attend the Catholic school of their choice. New legislation (HB 1) passed that will affect Florida’s school choice programs. Signed by Governor DeSantis on March 27, these changes went into effect on July 1, 2023.
House Bill 1 expands eligibility for all K-12 students, regardless of household income, and converts the scholarship into education savings accounts, or “ESAs”. Complete program information and applications can be found on the AAA Scholarships and Step Up for Students websites.
If you would like us to contact you regarding the $8000 Florida Tax Credit Scholarship for Catholic Education in the Diocese of Venice, please fill out this form.
Gardiner
The Gardiner Scholarship is an education savings account (ESA) for students with certain special needs administered by Scholarship Funding Organizations such as Step Up For Students. Students ages 3 to 22 who have one of the qualifying diagnoses can be eligible for an average of $10,000 in scholarship funds each year.
Gardiner Scholars can use their scholarship to cover approved education-related expenses including private school tuition, tutoring, therapy and educational technology. Complete program information and applications can be found on the AAA Scholarships and Step Up for Students websites.
McKay Scholarship
The McKay Scholarship provides funds for children with specific special needs who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Accommodation Plan to attend the private school of their choice. To qualify, students must have attended a Florida public school during the previous school year. Scholarship amounts vary but can cover up to full tuition at a participating private school. Complete program information and applications can be found on the McKay Scholarships webpage of the Florida Department of Education.
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK)
The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Voucher is a state-funded program enabling every 4-year-old in Florida to attend the Pre-K of his or her choice, free of charge. The program builds a strong foundation for students, ensuring their kindergarten readiness. Complete program information and applications can be found on the Office of Early Learning website.
College Scholarships
The Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Venice in Florida offers assistance through scholarships for graduating High School Seniors. Full information may be found on the Catholic Community Foundation website.
