Medina Christian Academy partners with the Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN), a certified Scholarship Granting Organization, to make Christian education more accessible and to reward Ohio donors who help fund it. Whether you’re a family exploring financial aid or a donor looking to support MCA students, OCEN’s SGO program connects the two.
For FamiliesSGO scholarships can help offset the cost of a Christian education at MCA. Awards are need-based and made through OCEN. |
For DonorsGive to OCEN and designate MCA. Ohio donors can receive a state tax credit of up to $750 (individual) or $1,500 (joint). |
For Families—Apply for an SGO Scholarship
SGO scholarships are privately funded, need-based awards for students attending Christian schools in Ohio. Families can qualify for both SGO and EdChoice, and many combine the two to cover a larger share of tuition.
How SGO Scholarships Work
- Ohio donors give to OCEN and can designate MCA as the recipient school
- OCEN awards scholarships to qualifying students at participating schools, with priority given to students demonstrating financial need
- Scholarship recipients are determined by OCEN, not by MCA
- Awards are coordinated with MCA’s school calendar
Who May Qualify
- Students enrolled or planning to enroll at Medina Christian Academy
- Families demonstrating financial need (based on household income and family size)
How to Apply
- Contact MCA’s Admissions Office to learn if MCA is the right fit for your family.
- Complete OCEN’s scholarship application at [ohiocen.org/sgo]. Applications go directly to OCEN, not to MCA.
- Submit required documentation, which typically includes household financial information.
- OCEN reviews applications and awards scholarships as funds are available.
Important to Know
- SGO and EdChoice are separate programs. Families can apply for both.
- Applications are accepted year-round, but funding availability varies. Applying early increases your chances.
Have questions about SGO scholarships at MCA?
Contact AdmissionsFor Donors—Give Through SGO
Your gift to OCEN funds scholarships for MCA students. Because OCEN is a certified Scholarship Granting Organization, Ohio donors receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for their contribution—up to $750 per individual filer or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly.
How the Ohio SGO Tax Credit Works
- Give any amount to OCEN and designate Medina Christian Academy as the recipient school
- Ohio taxpayers receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit up to $750 per individual or $1,500 for joint filers
- The credit is nonrefundable, meaning it reduces your state tax liability but does not generate a refund beyond what you owe
- Gifts above $750 are welcome. Any amount beyond the $750 credit can be claimed as a federal and state charitable deduction
How to Give
- Visit OCEN’s online giving portal at ohiocen.org/sgo.
- Choose your gift amount and designate Medina Christian Academy as the recipient school.
- Complete your donation. OCEN provides a downloadable tax receipt from your donor account once the funds clear.
- Claim your credit when filing your Ohio state taxes.
Things to Know Before You Give
- Donors must have Ohio state tax liability equal to or greater than the credit amount they claim
- Contributions can be made year-round
- Consult your tax advisor to confirm how the credit applies to your specific situation
Ready to support MCA families through SGO?
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
For FamiliesCan my family apply for both SGO and EdChoice?Yes. SGO and EdChoice are separate programs, and many families combine them to reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs.
Does MCA decide who receives an SGO scholarship?No. OCEN reviews applications and awards scholarships. MCA does not select recipients.
Is there a deadline to apply?No, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. |
For DonorsCan I designate MCA specifically when I give?Yes. OCEN allows donors to designate the participating school they want to support. Choose Medina Christian Academy when you complete your gift.
What if I want to give more than $750?Gifts above $750 are welcome. The first $750 (or $1,500 for joint filers) qualifies for the SGO state tax credit. Amounts above that can be claimed as a federal and state charitable deduction.
Is the tax credit refundable?No. The credit is nonrefundable, so it reduces your Ohio state tax liability but does not create a refund larger than what you owe.
Can I give and also apply for a scholarship?Yes. Donating and applying for a scholarship are separate processes and are handled independently by OCEN. |
Learn More About OCEN
The Ohio Christian Education Network is a certified Scholarship Granting Organization serving Christian schools across Ohio. For full program details, visit ohiocen.org/sgo.