Denver Woman Advocates for School Choice After Finding Success for Her Daughter

Mariah Wakefield, a Denver resident, was determined to find the right educational environment for her adoptive daughter, Jasiya, who had unique needs. Previously enrolled in Denver Public Schools, Jasiya needed more support than what the traditional school system could provide. Following personal challenges, including the loss of Jasiya’s biological mother and various household changes, Wakefield prioritized her daughter’s education, ultimately discovering ACE Scholarships, which enabled her to enroll Jasiya in a school that fosters her growth.

Wakefield is now urging other parents to learn about the benefits of the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), which supports school choice by providing tax incentives for contributions to nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations. With more than half of U.S. states participating, including Colorado, where Governor Jared Polis expressed strong support for the program, Wakefield believes that educational opportunities should be accessible to all families, regardless of their financial circumstances.