When families sit down to make a household budget, they first think about essentials like housing, groceries and gas. But for parents, few priorities matter more than making sure their children have access to a quality education.

And Gov. Josh Shapiro alone has a unique opportunity to expand opportunities and support for every public and private school student in Pennsylvania.

As both a parent and an education advocate, I know how deeply families care about finding the right educational environment and support systems for their children. Through my work with Teach PA, I hear from parents across Pennsylvania who are increasingly anxious about whether they can continue affording the educational support their children rely on.

Many families are making difficult financial sacrifices because they believe investing in their child’s education today will shape the opportunities available to them tomorrow. Parents should not have to choose between financial stability and giving their children the academic support they need to succeed.

That is why Pennsylvania should participate in the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program before it takes effect in 2027. Thirty states – red and blue alike – have already confirmed plans to opt into the program. Gov. Shapiro should do the same.

Every child learns differently, and many students need additional help — whether through tutoring, specialized learning services, after-school programs, or academic materials — and access to these resources often comes with a price tag.

The new program encourages private charitable giving to expand educational opportunities for students. Beginning in January 2027, individuals who contribute to approved scholarship granting organizations can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700. Those donations would help fund scholarships and educational support services for K-12 students in both public and private schools.

Pennsylvania has already seen success through programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. But the reality is that demand continues to exceed available resources. Too many families are still being turned away, while schools work to keep education affordable and meet increasingly diverse student needs.

The new federal program would build upon Pennsylvania’s existing education initiatives by leveraging private charitable contributions to deliver new scholarship opportunities and educational resources to communities across the state. These scholarships can support tutoring, special education services, books, internet access, technology and other resources that help students succeed. Truly all students stand to directly benefit from many of these services.

When children do not receive the help they need, the consequences can be lifelong. Struggles with reading, math and academic achievement often create long-term barriers to economic opportunity and future success. When there is a solution on the table that can help to avoid these outcomes, our leaders should jump at the chance to participate in the federal scholarship tax credit.

It is also important to understand what this program is — and what it is not. Opting into the federal program would not require Pennsylvania to create new taxes or fees – nor would it require policymakers to spend additional state taxpayer dollars. Instead, it would unlock private charitable donations to support students and families.

At a time when parents are searching for solutions and schools are working hard to meet evolving student needs, Pennsylvania should not turn away an opportunity to expand educational support.

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program offers a practical, fiscally responsible way to strengthen educational communities, empower families and help more students access the resources they need to thrive. And the decision to opt in – and do what is best for all our children – lies solely on Gov. Shapiro.

Jenny Sved is the Executive Director of Teach PA, the leading advocacy organization for Pennsylvania’s Jewish day schools and yeshivas. Working in coalition with parents, educators, and other nonpublic school communities across the Commonwealth, Teach PA advances policies that expand educational opportunity and make schools safer, stronger, and more affordable for families. She writes from Bala Cynwyd.