Father and real estate agent Matt Kochis always finds himself returning to the Catholic surroundings that made him the man he is today. Having grown up attending Catholic schools, he wound up teaching at and coaching for his alma mater — Seton Catholic Preparatory. He further discusses his upbringing with and contributions to Catholic schools with CEA’s Corporate Manager, Chris Lorello.
Catholic Education Offers a Community
Kochis touches on his relationship with God and the impact that his religious community has had on his life. He says, “I just think God works in our lives all in his own way. In my life, it’s definitely through other people.” He believes that by being able to connect with like-minded individuals, he has been able to connect with God more deeply.
He continues to say that a large aspect of participating in a Catholic environment is, “Being tied in with others, and being there to support each other and walk this crazy life path and faith journey together. It’s not easy. We need that support.” This history of being in an encouraging and thought-provoking space is one of the reasons why he makes the effort to direct tax credits to students needing Catholic scholarships.
All It Takes Is One Conversation
Kochis, like many entrepreneurs, was unaware of the good that tuition tax credits can do. It was not a matter of being unwilling to direct tax credits, but a lack of information. He claims, “It was a little embarrassing to not have this realization sooner. I think at the end of the day, it just came down to a conversation.”
Individual taxpayers and business owners alike can learn in a brief conversation about what these tax credits are and what steps they need to take in order to provide students with the opportunities they’ve been dreaming of. Lorello explains, “It’s not a donation. It’s just a direction of tax liability. We are also very aware that there are businesses that, this year, may not have as much liability as they’ve had in the past. And that’s okay! We’ll take any liability.”
He goes on to clarify, “The corporate tax credits … they are for low income [families]. And then there’s the disabled and displaced tax credits. Those are for children that are IEP 504, or they are a part of our Arizona foster care system.” These students deserve the high-quality education that comes with attending an Arizona Catholic school. According to Do Something.org, teacher quality is one of the most significant factors related to student achievement.
It is clear that there are no bounds to the advantages of this tax credit. If you would like to make a difference in your community, as Kochis has, but are unaware of how to do so, then reach out to Catholic Education Arizona today.
