Lincoln, NEB., January 14, 2010—Nelnet and FACTS Management Company, a Nelnet company serving many Florida private and faith-based K-12 schools, announced that they will contribute $600,000 to Florida’s Step Up For Students scholarship program—enough to fund more than 150 scholarships for low-income students.
Nelnet and FACTS contributed a portion of their Florida corporate income tax liability to help fund the Step Up For Students scholarship program. The scholarship program is one of a select few in the country and it expands educational opportunities for students who qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch by providing either annual private school tuition scholarships of up to $3,950 or transportation costs of up to $500 to attend an out-of-district public school, empowering parents to choose whichever private or public K-12 school that is best for their child(ren).
FACTS President Tim Tewes (left) Executive Vice President Jim Owens (right) and Vice President Brian Barry (second from right) present the scholarship donation to Step Up For Students President Doug Tuthill to help provide scholarships for children who will attend one of the SUFS affiliated institutions.
“The partnership with Step Up For Students allows us to fulfill our educational mission by reaching out to Florida’s most economically disadvantaged families with scholarships,” said Tim Tewes, Nelnet Executive Director and FACTS President. “We have a responsibility as corporate custodians to invest in the education of our youth. Step Up For Students ensures that all students have access to the education that best meets their needs, regardless of financial circumstances. We are proud to be a part of that mission.”
Since 2002, corporations such as Nelnet and FACTS have contributed more than $500 million to the Step Up For Students scholarship program. Today, those donations serve more than 27,000 students throughout Florida.
“We have a strong belief that every child is unique, and through participation in this scholarship program companies like Nelnet/FACTS give families of limited means educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach,” said Doug Tuthill, President of Step Up For Students.
About FACTS Management Company
As part of Nelnet, FACTS Management Company (www.factsmgt.com) is committed to making educational dreams possible for families and students, as well as enhancing the financial stability and affordability of educational institutions. FACTS/Nelnet Business Solutions started with one school and 30 families. They now serve approximately 5,000 schools and over one and million families, and manage approximately $3 billion in tuition funds each year. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services for schools including tuition and other payment administration and processing, financial needs assessment, Web-based enrollment services, powerful fundraising solutions, and college and career planning resources available through Peterson's. School counselors can use the Peterson’s services to help students plan and prepare for college admission.
About Nelnet
For more than 30 years, Nelnet has been helping families plan, prepare, and pay for their education. For more information, visit www.nelnet.com. For more information contact Randall Bretz at FACTS Management Company / Nelnet at randy.bretz@nelnet.net
About Step Up For Students
Step Up For Students is part of a state law, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, that provides scholarships to low-income students. Any private school in the state may participate in the program. To apply, contact the state Department of Education directly or visit the agency’s Web site at www.floridaschoolchoice.org/information/ctc. Further information also is available from Elizabeth Watson, Step Up For Students school development director, at ewatson@stepupforstudents.org.