On August 31, 2017, Public Act 100-0465 created the Invest In Kids Act (35 ILCS 40/1) which allows students to qualify for scholarship assistance to private schools like St. Teresa High School as funds are available -- funds are provided through donations from individuals and corporations. 

$100 million per year in tax credits are available each year. For the 2018 tax year, a total of $53 million in tax credits were claimed - leaving room for growth. St. Teresa received a total net of $67,975 in scholarship funding to award. 

For the 2018-19 school year, St. Teresa was able to award 10 scholarships to students that met the financial requirements, the majority received 75-100% of the total costs to attend St. Teresa (tuitions and fees). While this is wonderful news for those 10 students, another 52 qualified students remained after the available funds had been awarded. 

What does the process look like for a donor?

1. Donors must claim the tax credit from the state of Illinois. 
2. Donors make their gift through Empower Illinois - designating St. Teresa High School as the recipient.
3. Money is awarded to qualified students.
4. The donor receives 75% tax credit on their 2019 taxes, filed in 2020.

At this time, for the 2019-20 school year, there are 62 qualified students ready to have scholarships awarded, with a majority qualifying for 100% funding -- this means we would need more than $300,000 in scholarship support to fully meet our student's needs.  

If you are interested in learning more about Tax-Credit Scholarships at St. Teresa, please contact the Advancement Office at 217-875-7950 or visit empowerillinois.org/donors.