State Rep. Ann Bollin and the Michigan House today approved a plan to open new educational opportunities for Michigan students through scholarships.

The Student Opportunity Scholarships would give Michigan families more flexibility and choices in their kids’ K-12 education. The scholarships could be used for a variety of purposes, including tutoring, supplemental textbooks, summer education programs or advanced classes for students who can’t currently access them.

“With these scholarships, all kids will have access to the educational opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their zip code or family income level,” Bollin said. “The past couple of school years have shown just how important it is for moms and dads to have more choices for education and options to get students help if they’re falling behind.”

Funding for the Student Opportunity Scholarships will come from voluntary tax credits. Michigan taxpayers will contribute to the program themselves, which protects public school funding and helps families save on their taxes. No money will be moved from existing school funding.

“Funding for local schools will not be affected at all,” Bollin said. “This is additional money that will be injected into our state education system to help students.”

Eligible recipients of a scholarship would include students from low- to middle-income families, students with a disability, or young people in foster care. 

Similar plans in 28 other states, which include most states in the Midwest, have proven successful. Studies across the country have demonstrated the positive impact of similar programs on student progress.

House Bills 5404-05 now advance to the Senate for further consideration.