A family’s journey to Catholic education through Opportunity Scholarships
by Fr. Mark Cyza
Education Specialist, Diocesan Education Office
The Opperman family had always dreamed of sending their children to a Catholic school. As devout Catholics, they valued the integration of faith and education that Catholic schools offer. However, like many families, financial constraints made this dream seem unattainable. That was until they discovered the Opportunity Scholarship, a tax credit scholarship program that opened the doors to the education they had always hoped for Emily.
“Sending our kids to a Catholic school was just an unreachable dream for us before. We were unable to afford to do so in Colorado as well as Nebraska, or so we thought,” said Nicole. “However, once our daughter was experiencing bullying at her previous school, we knew we needed to make a change but didn’t know where to turn. Thankfully, I had mentioned something to someone at the church about what was going on, and she suggested I speak with St. Michael’s because there may be a way to get support so we could send our children to a different school.”
Upon learning about the Opportunity Scholarship, the Oppermans felt a glimmer of hope. The program, designed to help families like theirs afford private education through tax credit-funded scholarships, seemed like an answer to their prayers. After some research and application processes, the Opperman family received the good news: their daughter was awarded the scholarship and could enroll at St. Michael School. In addition, because their son was the sibling of a qualified applicant, he was also eligible for a scholarship, and was able to enroll as well.
From the moment Emily stepped into St. Michael, the change was evident.
“The atmosphere at St. Michael’s is like a big family. It appears as though everyone knows everyone. Smiling faces all around. It’s just a welcoming environment,” Nicole noted. “Multiple people spoke with me prior to their first day as well as after the kids started, to ensure their transition was as smooth as possible. I was in disbelief with the kindness we were shown.”
The Oppermans’ daughter thrived in her new school. She quickly made friends, and her academic performance improved dramatically. More importantly, the bullying she had endured was now a distant memory, replaced by a sense of belonging and safety.
The Catholic education Emily received at St. Michael extended beyond academics.
“I love the fact that our children attend Mass daily and their faith is incorporated into their learning,” Nicole said. “It’s something I wish I would have been able to experience myself as a child. The kids surrounding our children share the same beliefs, which has a great impact on them. They were all so welcoming, and each kid has created a special bond with multiple children at St. Michael’s.”
For the Opperman family, the Opportunity Scholarship was nothing short of transformative. It provided Emily with a second chance at a positive school experience and reaffirmed the family’s belief in the power of a supportive, faith-based education.
Nicole shared another touching moment: “Our children were attending CCD when we moved here in 2022. Our daughter had a great love for her faith. Our second-grader was a little confused and wasn’t really understanding his faith. However, switching to St. Michael’s School, our son couldn’t wait to receive his first Holy Communion. I asked him afterward if he felt differently after receiving the Eucharist, and he said, ‘Yes, because I have Jesus in my heart.’ We are learning to be the family I had dreamed of. We pray together all the time and attend Mass on Sundays. My husband and I have found a love for the Church by experiencing such an amazing light through our children.”
Jeremy Ekeler is the executive director of Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska (OSN). He said in a statement, “In the short time since it’s been in effect, the Opportunity Scholarships Act (LB753) has been a beacon of hope for hundreds of families across the state of Nebraska.”
The success of programs like the Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska relies heavily on the support of the community. In Nebraska, individuals and businesses can make tax credit contributions to partner schools, ensuring that more families can access the same opportunities the Oppermans did. By contributing to OSN, contributors can directly impact the lives of children, giving them access to quality Catholic education and a brighter future.
Opportunity Scholarships are largely funded through tax credits. A tax credit is different than a charitable donation. When a taxpayer contributes to OSN, they receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on the amount they owe to the state. In other words, the amount of the contribution made to OSN reduces the amount the taxpayer owes to the state by the amount of the contribution. Through the credit, taxpayers have the opportunity to use their state tax liability to support students who attend their local Catholic school.
For those who believe in the value of education rooted in faith, making a tax credit contribution is a powerful way to give back, Ekeler added: “With close to 2,000 applications, we have a lot of students looking for hope. We are asking folks to provide for that hope by using this dollar-for-dollar tax credit. It’s a no-brainer and contributions can be designated to help kids at the school of the donor’s choice.”
The Opperman family’s story is a testament to the profound impact that the Opportunity Scholarship can have on families seeking a Catholic education for their children. Their journey from a difficult school experience to a supportive Catholic school environment underscores the importance of such programs. By supporting Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska, you can play a crucial role in providing other families with the chance to experience the transformative power of Catholic education. Your contribution can make dreams come true and pave the way for a brighter, faith-filled future for many children. For more information on applying for a scholarship or becoming a contributor visit https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/.
