Who we are
“The best way for me to show the effectiveness of the scholarship program is something shocking I witnessed one school morning. The alarm in my son’s room went off at 5:00 am. I was startled and went into the kitchen to find him sitting at the table, in his pajamas, studying for a science test. This was done without any parental prodding or coercion. He is 11 years old and made an 87 on the test.”
– Dalphine Wilson
Our Mission
At the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund (AOSF), our mission is to empower families to choose the school that best fits their child’s unique educational needs. AOSF provides scholarships to low-income, K-12 children who are not succeeding in their current environment. Scholarships are funded by the donation of corporate and individual Alabama income tax liability.
AOSF is a parent-driven model. Parents complete an online application that is available on the AOSF website. Awards are distributed on a first come, first served basis with priority given to students zoned to attend a “failing” public school.
AOSF is leading the way statewide in providing over 2,000 low-income children the educational opportunity that will give them a successful and productive future.
Our Vision
Every Alabama child has an equal opportunity to a quality education, which can only occur when educators and local communities are empowered to create diverse learning options and all parents are empowered to match their children to the learning option that best meets their needs.
About us
The Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 and provides tax credited scholarships to low-income K-12 children across Alabama to attend the public or private school of their choice.
Statistics
Since 2014, AOSF has distributed more than 10,940 scholarships to students in 39 of 67 Alabama counties.
Over $60 million in scholarships distributed since 2014 with an average scholarship amount of $6,000.
81% of students are minorities.
$28,900 is the average household income.
69% of AOSF parents are employed; 13% hold more than one job.
100% of awards are to low-income children.
Board of Directors
AOSF is governed by an unpaid, volunteer board of directors. AOSF is a subsidiary of the Florida tax-credit scholarship granting organization Step Up For Students (SUFS). Charity Navigator ranks SUFS as its 4th top charity in the nation. SUFS Founder John F. Kirtley serves on the AOSF Board of Directors.
Academic Leadership Council
Anthony Brock
Principal, Valiant Cross
Montgomery
Dan Carden
Headmaster, American Christian Academy
Tuscaloosa
Father Bry Shields
President, McGill-Toolen
Mobile
Sharon Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
South Central Conference, Seventh-Day Adventist
Nashville
Tim Skelton
Headmaster, Faith Academy
Mobile
John Schoenig
Senior Director, Teacher Formation and Education Policy, University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN
