LEAH CEO Scott Fogo explains why Legacy Deo was the only SGO he considered for his schools’ participation in the Education Freedom Tax Credit—and why shared mission and trust mattered.
When Scott Fogo learned about the new Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), he immediately saw its potential for Lutheran schools and families.
But he also understood a practical question: Who would help schools make it work?
For Scott, CEO of the Lutheran Education Association of Houston (LEAH), the answer was obvious: go with the people you know. “I’m really happy that Legacy Deo stepped forward to establish a Scholarship Granting Organization,” Scott said. “I wouldn’t have known who to go with if they hadn’t.”
It wasn’t simply a matter of finding an organization capable of administering scholarships. Scott wanted a partner his schools could trust—one that understands Lutheran education, shares its commitment to Christian ministry, and sees the ultimate purpose of that work the same way LEAH does.
Education Freedom Tax Credit Could Open Lutheran Schools to More Families
Scott has seen firsthand what can happen when strong academics, a distinctly Christian mission, and broad community support come together. Before coming to Texas, Scott served at two of the nation’s largest Lutheran school systems: Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School in Las Vegas and Orange Lutheran High School in California. He is currently entering his fifth year leading LEAH, which operates Lutheran schools in the Houston area.
In each role, he has become acutely aware of the financial challenge facing families who want Christian education. LEAH currently provides approximately $3.6 million in financial aid, making tuition assistance one of the organization’s largest expenses outside of faculty salaries. Even with that commitment, some families who want a Christian education still struggle to afford it.
That’s why he’s so enthusiastic about the upcoming federal Education Freedom Tax Credit.
“I tell our faculty all the time that I’m not interested in building schools exclusively for kids with financial means,” Fogo said. “I want a place where all kids can get a Christian education and grow in their relationship with Jesus.”
For Scott, the new EFTC scholarship opportunity creates the chance to make a Christian education possible, not just for existing families who struggle to remain in Lutheran schools, but also for those who previously couldn’t afford it. “It’s like a dream come true,” he said.
More Than Tuition Assistance: Helping Students Grow in Jesus Christ
For LEAH, increased access to education isn’t just about increasing enrollment. It’s about discipleship.
“Families dedicated to Christian education are making sacrifices for their kids to go to our schools,” he said. “If the EFTC helps more kids come, then more kids get to live a life with Jesus.”
That distinction is important.
“There are a lot of schools where students can get a good academic education, and that is true in our schools, too,” said Scott. “What makes us different is that we want kids and families to grow their faith in Jesus.” That mission is woven throughout the school experience.
Students participate in Bible and faith classes. They worship together in chapel. They can help lead worship, serve in chapel bands, participate in mission trips, and attend Christian youth conferences. LEAH schools are also creating more opportunities for student-led Bible studies and Christian leadership.
But Scott believes one of the greatest influences may be even simpler: surrounding young people with adults who live out their faith every day. That might mean a teacher praying with a student, a coach demonstrating Christian love during practice, or a school leader helping young people understand how their faith shapes the decisions they make.
Why LEAH Chose Legacy Deo as Its SGO
When it came time to choose a Scholarship Granting Organization, LEAH didn’t conduct an extensive search. Legacy Deo already had something difficult for another organization to replicate: trust.
“Number one, it’s a Lutheran organization that people trust,” Scott said. “My head pastor trusts them. My board chair trusts them. People I know who are Lutherans trust them.”
Scott also has a longstanding relationship with Legacy Deo CEO Patrick Carlove. “I’ve known Patrick for a long time,” he said. “He has a passion for the ministry and a reputation for doing things with integrity.”
That combination of credibility and shared mission mattered. “Legacy Deo has been supporting churches and schools for a long time,” Scott said. “They help people build their finances and build Christ’s kingdom.”
The Education Freedom Tax Credit may involve tax credits, applications, scholarship eligibility, and financial administration. But those are ultimately tools serving something much larger: a mission to bring more children into an environment where they are known, loved, academically challenged, and surrounded by people who can help them grow as disciples of Jesus.
The Legacy Deo SGO is one more way to help Christian schools fulfill that mission.
An Opportunity On-Mission
The Education Freedom Tax Credit is expected to create a new opportunity for taxpayers to support scholarships through participating Scholarship Granting Organizations beginning in 2027.
For LEAH, this opportunity represents far more than additional financial aid. It could mean more families discovering that Christian education is within reach—and more children having the opportunity to grow academically, personally and, most importantly, in their relationship with Jesus Christ.