Goldwater Institute's Work On Education Savings Accounts Named Finalist For 2014 Templeton Freedom Award

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Phoenix-based Goldwater Institute was named one of eight finalists for this year's prestigious Templeton Freedom Award for its work advancing Education Savings Accounts in Arizona and Florida.

"We are humbled by the nomination. And feel grateful to be recognized for this impactful work," said Darcy Olsen, President and CEO of Goldwater Institute. "When it comes to education, all doors should be open. Personal education savings accounts break down barriers and expand opportunity for all children regardless of family circumstances or background."

Education savings accounts are portable bank accounts that families can use to purchase educational services of many kinds including private school tuition, online classes, supplemental tutoring, homeschool curriculum, dual college enrollment, and more. Unspent money in a savings account can be saved for future use including college tuition. Unlike school vouchers, education savings accounts create the maximum possible choice for parents and opportunities for competition among government schools, private schools, and other education providers. Arizona became the first state to launch education savings accounts in mid-2011. And in 2014 Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed into law the country's second education savings account program.

Who: Goldwater Institute and Atlas Network
What: Goldwater Institute named a finalist for the annual $100,000 Templeton Freedom Award
When: Nov. 13, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Liberty Forum and Freedom Dinner closing ceremony – Capitale, 130 Bowery, New York, NY 10013 (Bowery and Grand St.)
Press Contact: [email protected] or (202) 449-8441

Awarded since 2004, the Templeton Freedom Award is named for the late investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton. The award annually honors his legacy by identifying and recognizing the most exceptional and innovative contributions to the understanding of free enterprise, and the public policies that encourage prosperity, innovation and human fulfillment via free competition. The award is generously supported by Templeton Religion Trust and will be presented during Atlas Network's Liberty Forum and Freedom Dinner gala dinner ceremony Nov. 13, 2014 in New York City. The winning organization will receive a $100,000 prize and the runners-up will receive $5,000.

The 2014 Templeton Freedom Award finalists are:

• Acton Institute: Acton University
• Center For Political Studies (CEPOS): Private Property Project
• Civismo: Low Taxes for Spain campaign
• Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA): Initiative to limit Medicaid expansion
• Goldwater Institute: Education Savings Accounts initiative
• Illinois Policy Institute: Campaign to stop an unfair progressive income tax
• IPEA (Agora Institute for Strategic Thinking): One Million Youth for Mexico Campaign
• Lithuanian Free Market Institute: Municipal Performance Index

About Atlas Network
Atlas Network is based in Washington. It is a nonprofit organization connecting a global network of more than 450 free-market organizations in over 90 countries to the ideas and resources needed to advance the cause of liberty. Strengthening the worldwide freedom movement – AtlasNetwork.org

About the Goldwater Institute
The Goldwater Institute is based in Phoenix. Its mission is to protect freedom and prosperity. As a non-profit organization funded solely through individual donations, it stands on principle, not politics. GoldwaterInstitute.org

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140924/148067

SOURCE Atlas Network