5,000 scholarships expand K-12 options for low- and moderate-income families
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is reminding South Carolina families that the application deadline for the Educational Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program is March 15, 2024.
The program was signed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster in May 2023 and allocates $30 million in scholarships for education costs. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to up to 5,000 eligible South Carolina families for the 2024-2025 school year.
Scholarships of $6,000 per student can be used to support customized and flexible education. Families can use the funds to pay for tuition, textbooks, curriculum and materials, as well as a wide range of educational therapies, including tutoring, online courses and speech, physical, occupational and vision therapy. Approved applicants will receive their first quarterly payment of $1,500 in late July 2024.
“Policymakers have worked diligently for more than a decade to allow parents this type of ability to customize their children's education,” said State Superintendent Ellen Weaver. “This program has the potential to truly transform lives and ensure that all children’s unique learning needs are met.”
Easy 3-step application process
To apply for an Education Scholarship Trust Fund scholarship, families must complete a three-step process:
Step 1 – Complete a simple application. Available from:
https://www.classwallet.com/programs/southcarolinaestf/ This requires:
A) Proof of guardianship (tax return listing dependents, birth certificate, etc.)
B) Proof of Income (2022 or 2023 tax return. If you have not filed taxes, you must provide information about your income.)
C) Proof of residence (driver's license or state-issued ID, utility bill, etc.)