Under the program, donors can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700. That’s a direct subtraction from your tax bill, not just a deduction from your taxable income.

The decision to opt Illinois into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program rests with the governor.

At least 31 states have said they plan to opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program.

Illinois students could soon benefit from scholarship money to help them find a tutor, attend ACT or SAT prep sessions, pay tuition, get special education services or assist with other academic needs. That will happen in Illinois only if Gov. J.B. Pritzker lets the state’s schoolchildren benefit from the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, established...

Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants more federal funding. A new program would provide donor money— but he must opt in.

At least 28 states have already said they plan to opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program to let donors provide extra academic help to their students.