Make Educational Opportunity Possible in Arkansas
Great news! Arkansas is a qualified ACE Scholarships state.
ACE Scholarships has served Arkansas families since 2018, helping thousands of students access educational opportunities that work best for them. Now, Arkansas has also opted into the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), creating a new opportunity for eligible students and families beginning January 1, 2027.
Eligible Arkansas taxpayers can commit now to make a qualifying EFTC contribution through ACE Scholarships starting January 1, 2027, when the federal tax credit takes effect.
ARKANSAS IS PARTICIPATING IN THE EFTC INITIATIVE Launches January 1, 2027
Arkansas’s Current Status
Arkansas has opted into the EFTC, creating a new scholarship opportunity for eligible students beginning in 2027.
EFTC Status
Participating
Effective January 1, 2027
Arkansas has opted into the EFTC.
ACE in Arkansas
Active Since 2018
ACE Scholarships has served Arkansas families since 2018. For more information on the ways ACE is active and making an impact in Arkansas, please click here.
Partner Schools
108
ACE works with 108 partner schools across Arkansas.
Scholarships
12,000+
Arkansas families have accepted more than 12,000 ACE scholarships totaling over $34 million since 2018.
The EFTC Opportunity Is Coming to Arkansas
Arkansas’s participation makes EFTC-funded scholarship opportunities available to eligible students beginning in 2027, once applicable requirements are in place.
Qualifying Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) will need to meet applicable federal and state requirements before EFTC-funded scholarships are available.
Does Arkansas Have a State Scholarship Tax Credit?
Yes. Arkansas offers a separate state scholarship tax credit through the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids (PIAK) Program.
Eligible taxpayers can receive an Arkansas income tax credit equal to 100% of a qualifying contribution to an approved SGO, subject to state requirements, available credits, and the taxpayer’s Arkansas income tax liability.
ACE Scholarships participates in PIAK, giving Arkansas taxpayers another way to help make educational opportunities possible for students.
Explore ACE’s Impact in Arkansas
Building Arkansas’s Future – One Student at a Time
Over 60% of Arkansas’ K–12 students may be eligible for an ACE scholarship, yet many remain stuck in underperforming schools solely due to their zip code. Every child deserves access to a quality education—no matter where they live
Over 70% of families WANT school choice, but only a fraction have access. ACE Scholarships is changing that by offering partial scholarships to eager students.
ACE vs. The Status Quo
ACE partner school students compared to their lower income public school peers.
Higher Proficiency in Math
Higher Proficiency in Reading
Graduation Rate in ACE Partner Schools
Graduation Rate in Arkansas Schools
Families choose what works – not zip codes.
Our Model Works
Since launching in 2018, ACE Arkansas has provided a solution.
Last year, almost 3,800 students applied for an ACE Scholarship – every year that number grows. The demand is real and the results proven, but we need your help.
Average School Tuition Cost
(K-8) $7,722 (HS) $9,008
Average Family Contribution
(K-8) $3,196 (HS) $3,967
Average Scholarship Amount
(K-8) $2,934 (HS) $3,709
Average Household Size
4.8
Average Household Income
$59,696
ACE partners with families, donors, and private schools to provide equal access to quality education for Arkansas students, empowering lower-income families with scholarships, support, and the freedom to choose the learning environment that best fits their children’s needs.
2,934
Open Seats
in Arkansas Schools
108
Partner Schools
Across the State
Here’s How Your Gift Works
Donate
Thank you for choosing to donate to ACE Scholarships Arkansas.
For donations up to $200,000, please click on the Make a Tax-Deductible Donation button below.
For gifts over $200,000, or for additional ways to contribute, please reach out to: Erik Billinger at [email protected] or (303) 407-0625.
See how far your donation can go!
| Your Support | Give Once | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10 children for a year | $35,000 | $3,000 |
| 5 children for a year | $17,500 | $1,500 |
| 2 children for a year | $7,000 | $600 |
| 1 child for a year | $3,500 | $300 |
| 1 child for a semester | $1,750 | $150 |
| 1 child for a quarter | $875 | $75 |
| Your Support | Give Once | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10 children for a year |
$35,000 | $3,000 |
| 5 children for a year |
$17,500 | $1,500 |
| 2 children for a year |
$7,000 | $600 |
| 1 child for a year |
$3,500 | $300 |
| 1 child for a semester |
$1,750 | $150 |
| 1 child for a quarter |
$875 | $75 |
ACE Scholarships Arkansas Tax Credit Program
Thank you for choosing to donate to the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids program through ACE Scholarships Arkansas.
For tax credit contributions up to $200,000, please click on the Make a Tax-Deductible Donation button below.
For contributions greater than $200,000, or to donate stock, please contact Erik Billinger, Chief Development Officer, at [email protected] or (303) 407-0625.
Please Note: to participate in the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids program, you will need to fill out the state required PIAK Tax Credit Application Form.
👆 Required Form Here!
Every Gift. Every Student. Every Step Forward.
State Partner Schools
State Partner Schools
Scholarships Delivered
Scholarships Delivered
Total Amount of Scholarships Delivered
Total Amount of Scholarships Delivered
Since its founding in Arkansas in 2018, ACE Arkansas families have accepted more than 12,000 scholarships totaling over $34 million. ACE Scholarships has also established partnerships with 108 partner schools throughout the state. During the 2025/26 school year 3,501 scholarships were delivered and the demand continues. Our vision is that every child has access to a quality education, so our work here is not done.
Arkansas Leadership
President,
ACE Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi
Ashley Nelson
anelson@
Four Ways to Give
There are several ways to help make educational opportunities possible for students. Choose the option that works for you.
EFTC Contribution
Make a qualifying EFTC contribution through ACE Scholarships to help fund K–12 scholarships for eligible students in Arkansas.
Eligible taxpayers will receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit on qualifying contributions of up to $1,700 per taxpayer, or $3,400 for married couples filing jointly, subject to federal requirements.
Arkansas State Tax Credit
Arkansas’s Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program provides a state income tax credit equal to 100% of qualifying contributions to approved SGOs, subject to state requirements, available credits, and Arkansas income tax liability.
This state tax credit is separate from the federal EFTC.
Stay Connected
Get updates about scholarships, educational opportunities, and EFTC participation in your state.
