South Carolina
"Dum spiro spero"(While I breathe, I hope)
South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund provides $7,500 ESA scholarships for K-12 students from families at/below 300% FPL. Funds distributed through ClassWallet for tuition, tutoring, therapies, technology, and educational expenses. Administered by SC Department of Education with ClassWallet platform.
💰 Award Amounts & Funding
Standard Award Range
📝 How to Apply
1. Verify eligibility: SC resident, K-12 student, attended SC public school previous year (or kindergarten-eligible), income at/below 300% FPL (unless Medicaid recipient). 2. Visit ClassWallet.com during January 15 - March 15 application window. 3. Create account and complete online application. 4. Provide required documents: proof of income, SC residency, student birth certificate, previous school attendance. 5. Submit application. 6. Applications reviewed first-come, first-served. 7. If approved, receive ClassWallet account access in July for quarterly disbursements. 8. If program reaches 10,000 cap, join waitlist for 2026-2027.
Proof of South Carolina residency, Income documentation (tax returns, pay stubs) showing household income at/below 300% FPL OR Medicaid confirmation, Student birth certificate, Documentation of previous SC public school attendance OR kindergarten eligibility
🛒 What You Can Buy with ESA Funds
Private school tuition and fees (subject to legal challenge - see notes), Out-of-district public school attendance fees, Transportation to school/educational activities, School uniforms, Tutoring services (approved providers), Educational therapies (occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language from licensed practitioners), Technology (computers, tablets - restrictions apply: cannot purchase both laptop AND desktop within 2 years), Curriculum and educational materials, Online learning programs, Special education services
📊 Academic Requirements
Annual testing requirements as determined by SC Department of Education (specifics vary by participating school)
Cannot attend resident public school (school student is zoned for based on address). May attend out-of-district public school or private school.
Testing and reporting requirements apply
All purchases must be made through ClassWallet marketplace. No reimbursement for pre-purchased items. Technology purchases restricted: cannot buy laptop AND desktop within 2-year period. Must maintain documentation of expenses.
Annual renewal available if student continues to meet eligibility requirements (SC resident, income qualified, not attending resident public school). Must reapply during application window each year until program reaches cap.