The federal Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) introduces federally backed, tax-credit-funded scholarships. The Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights has launched a petition to encourage Governor Hochul to join the program and a centralized organization to help families receive scholarships.

Thanks to the federal Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), communities across the U.S. can now benefit from federally-backed, tax-credit-funded scholarships — helping families afford private and religious schooling.

But here in New York, there’s one crucial step left: Governor Kathy Hochul must opt the state into the program.

That’s why the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights is taking two bold steps forward:

1. Launching a Community-Wide SGO

The Vaad is building a centralized, community-run Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) to help ALL Crown Heights families and mosdos access tuition assistance — fairly and professionally.

Why centralized? Because it’s better for everyone:

• Donors give once and support every school
• Families apply once, for all their children and schools
• Schools benefit without the admin burden
• Compliance is managed professionally

This unified model avoids duplication, maximizes donor support, and ensures equitable distribution of funds — all while keeping overhead low.

2. Petitioning Governor Hochul to Opt NY Into ECCA

While the federal law is in place, New Yorkers can only benefit if Governor Hochul says yes. That decision is expected soon — and community pressure matters.

Click here to sign the petition now
Every signature helps show that Jewish families want — and need — this tuition relief.

Who Will Benefit?

This program is designed to help:

• Working families struggling with rising tuition
• Parents with multiple children in yeshiva
• Mosdos seeking stable enrollment
• Donors seeking meaningful tax-credit impact

And ultimately: every child in our community.

What’s Next?

1. Governor Hochul opts New York in
2. Vaad Hakohol finalizes the SGO infrastructure
3. Donors give and receive full tax credit
4. Scholarships go to families across Crown Heights

How You Can Help

1. Sign the petition:
   Click here to sign
2. Spread the word:
   Share this blog post with friends, schools, and fellow community members.
3. Partner with us:
   Are you a business, donor, or school leader who wants to get involved? Email us at [email protected].

Together, we can build a more affordable future for Jewish education in Crown Heights.