


For lower-income families that can afford $200 per month for tuition, even if tuition at the school of their choice may be $600 per month, an SGO can bridge that financial gap. Families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it now have a chance to provide the best education they feel their child needs for a better foundation and a better future. If children can obtain the education they need for their potential, they can break the cycle of poverty and have more opportunities. Tere are six SGOs in the state of


Oklahoma. Te Opportunity Scholarship Fund is the largest SGO with more than 65 schools participating in its program. Te Catholic Diocese in Tulsa and Oklahoma City have their own SGOs covering their


respective schools. Tese three organizations support 95% of the participating schools in Oklahoma. In order to qualify for SGO participation, private schools must be accredited by the State Department of Education (SDE) or an accrediting body approved by the SDE. Tis ensures a level of quality in instruction that is equal to or exceeds that which may be available from other sources. It also helps to elevate the quality of education in the state. In summary, tax credit programs, such as


the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act, provide much needed opportunities for all Oklahoma school children to receive the best K-12 education possible. Whether a child receives a public,


private, virtual or home school education, it is a parent’s responsibility to determine what will work best. Te state provides these options for all Oklahomans to take advantage of every opportunity to find the best learning environment that will challenge and engage Oklahoma’s children and prepare them for their future. Without these programs, the state would be abdicating its responsibility to provide Oklahoma citizens with a vibrant future.


Learn more about these programs at catalyst-education-fund-a98d9d.webflow.io/ or www.osfkids.org.


 Garrett Hammonds Director of Membership


Garrett was born in Dallas and was raised in Missouri but has called Oklahoma home for the past two years. He has been part of the


OSCPA team since April as the Director of Membership and a liaison for the Accounting Careers Committee. “At the OSCPA, I get to


work with accountants all over the state who are dedicated to helping their industries and communities grow. In addition to having wonderful members, my coworkers at the OSCPA are talented and exemplify a culture of kindness, which makes our office exciting and pleasant to come into every day.” Garrett enjoys golfing, taking hikes with his wife, Grace, and having game nights with his friends.


September/October 2019


CPAFOCUS


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