SOUTH CAROLINA: Education Scholarship Trust Fund

Robert Fanger ESA comparison by state 24 July 2024 Hits: 86

State: SOUTH CAROLINA
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Name:
- Option name: South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund, Option type: Link, Option description:
  The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program is established to provide children of families in this state which have limited financial resources with educational options to achieve success in their education.
  , Option link: https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-laws-of-south-carolina-1976/title-59-education/chapter-8-education-scholarship-trust-fund
Year Launched: 2024
Fund Administrator:
- Option name: Department of Education, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (1) "Department" means the South Carolina Department of Education.
  (2) "Education Scholarship Trust Fund", "ESTF", or "fund" means the individual account that is administered by the department to which funds are allocated to the parent of an eligible student to pay for qualifying expenses.
Funding Mechanism:
- Option name: Appropriation, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (A) There is established at the department, the "South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund" that is separate and distinct from the general fund, consisting of monies appropriated to the department to provide scholarships to eligible students for qualifying expenses. The fund must receive and hold all monies allocated for it as well as all earnings until disbursed as provided in this section.
Program Administrator (Gov't):
- Option name: Department of Education, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (K) The department may contract with qualified organizations to administer the program application process or specific functions, maintenance, and monitoring of the program application process as required above.
Third Party Administrator: TBD
Role of DOE:
- Option name: Program Administrator, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (K) The department may contract with qualified organizations to administer the program application process or specific functions, maintenance, and monitoring of the program application process as required above.
Application Window/Dates:
- Option name: 45 day window over January 15 - March 15, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (A) The department shall create a standard application process and establish the timeline for parents to establish the eligibility of their student for the Education Scholarship Trust Fund program. The application window established shall last at least forty-five days, opening no earlier than January fifteenth and closing no later than March fifteenth each calendar year.
Fund Disbursement Frequency:
- Option name: Quarterly, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (E) The department shall make payments to an individual scholarship student's account from the ESTF on a quarterly basis with the first payment being distributed by July thirty-first of each year.
Average Per-Pupil Funding:
- Option name: $6,000, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (C) Upon request of the parent and approval of an eligible student's application by the department, the State Treasurer shall transfer six thousand dollars per scholarship student to the Education Scholarship Trust Fund as directed by the General Assembly, unless an increased or decreased limit is authorized in the annual general appropriations act.
ELIGIBILITY: ELIGIBILITY
Income Limit:
- Option name: Year 1 ≤200% x FPL; Year 2 ≤300% x FPL; Year 3 forward ≤400% x FPL, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (i) in school year 2024-2025, has a household income that does not exceed two hundred percent of the federal poverty guidelines;
  (ii) in school year 2025-2026, has a household income that does not exceed three hundred percent of the federal poverty guidelines; and
  (iii) in school year 2026-2027 and all subsequent years, has a household income that does not exceed four hundred percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
Prior Year Public School Requirement:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (i) attended a public school in this State during the previous school year;
Geographic Limit:
- Option name: Statewide, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (a) is a resident of this State;
Additional Eligibility Check:
- Option name: None, Option type: None, Option description:
  (a) Verification of Information. - The Authority may seek verification of information on any application for the award of scholarship funds for a personal education student account. The Authority shall establish rules for the verification process. If a household fails to cooperate with verification efforts, the Authority shall revoke the award of scholarship funds for a PESA for the eligible student.
  (b) Access to Information. - Applicants for the award of scholarship funds for a PESA shall authorize the Authority to access information needed for verification efforts held by other State agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Public Instruction.
Homeschool Compatible:
- Option name: No, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (f) not to participate in a home instruction program under Sections 59-65-40, 59-65-45, or 59-65-47;
Enrollment Cap:
- Option name: Year 1 = 5,000; Year 2 = 10,000, Year 3 thereafter = 15,000, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (A) Beginning with the 2024-2025 School Year, the annual number of ESTF students is limited by the following capacity:
  (1) in School Year 2024-2025, the program is limited to five thousand scholarship students;
  (2) in School Year 2025-2026, the program is limited to ten thousand scholarship students; and
  (3) in School Year 2026-2027, and for all subsequent school years, the program is limited to fifteen thousand scholarship students.
  (B) In 2027, and every five years thereafter, the department shall conduct an eligibility and use review of the program and shall make recommendations to the General Assembly to improve the program.
Lottery:
- Option name: None, Option type: None, Option description:
  I. The commissioner of the department of education shall transfer to the scholarship organization the per pupil adequate education grant amount under RSA 198:40-a, plus any differentiated aid that would have been provided to a public school for that eligible student. The transfers shall be made in accordance with the distribution of adequate education grants under RSA 198:42.
Testing:
- Option name: N/A, Option type: None
COSTS COVERED INCLUDE: COSTS COVERED INCLUDE:
Private School Tuition:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: None, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
Uniforms:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  II. Parents of an EFA student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student's EFA only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the EFA student:
  (a) Tuition and fees at a private school.
  (b) Tuition and fees for non-public online learning programs.
  (c) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility.
  (d) Services contracted for and provided by a district public school, chartered public school, public academy, or independent school, including, but not limited to, individual classes and curricular activities and programs.
  (e) Textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials, including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider.
  (f) Computer hardware, Internet connectivity, or other technological services and devices, that are primarily used to help meet an EFA student's educational needs.
  (g) Educational software and applications.
  (h) School uniforms.
  (i) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, examinations related to college or university admission or awarding of credits and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for such exams.
  (j) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized education programs.
  (k) Tuition, fees, instructional materials, and examination fees at a career or technical school.
  (l) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies.
  (m) Tuition and fees at an institution of higher education.
  (n) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider.
  (o) Any other educational expense approved by the scholarship organization.
Online Education:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
Education Therapies:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
Private Tutoring:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
Public School Services (Classes and/or Extracurricular):
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
Transportation:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
ESA Management Fees:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
Fees for Choice Navigator:
- Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:
  (b) Program funds awarded to a student with a disability determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) may be used for the following purposes:
  1. Instructional materials, including digital devices, digital periphery devices, and assistive technology devices that allow a student to access instruction or instructional content and training on the use of and maintenance agreements for these devices.
  2. Curriculum as defined in subsection (2).
  3. Specialized services by approved providers or by a hospital in this state which are selected by the parent. These specialized services may include, but are not limited to:
  a. Applied behavior analysis services as provided in ss. 627.6686 and 641.31098.
  b. Services provided by speech-language pathologists as defined in s. 468.1125(8).
  c. Occupational therapy as defined in s. 468.203.
  d. Services provided by physical therapists as defined in s. 486.021(8).
  e. Services provided by listening and spoken language specialists and an appropriate acoustical environment for a child who has a hearing impairment, including deafness, and who has received an implant or assistive hearing device.
  4. Tuition and fees associated with full-time or part-time enrollment in a home education program; an eligible private school; an eligible postsecondary educational institution or a program offered by the postsecondary educational institution, unless the program is subject to s. 1009.25 or reimbursed pursuant to s. 1009.30; an approved preapprenticeship program as defined in s. 446.021(5) which is not subject to s. 1009.25 and complies with all applicable requirements of the department pursuant to chapter 1005; a private tutoring program authorized under s. 1002.43; a virtual program offered by a department-approved private online provider that meets the provider qualifications specified in s. 1002.45(2)(a); the Florida Virtual School as a private paying student; or an approved online course offered pursuant to s. 1003.499 or s. 1004.0961.
  5. Fees for nationally standardized, norm-referenced achievement tests, Advanced Placement Examinations, industry certification examinations, assessments related to postsecondary education, or other assessments.
  6. Contributions to the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program pursuant to s. 1009.98 or the Florida College Savings Program pursuant to s. 1009.981 for the benefit of the eligible student.
  7. Contracted services provided by a public school or school district, including classes. A student who receives services under a contract under this paragraph is not considered enrolled in a public school for eligibility purposes as specified in subsection (6) but rather attending a public school on a part-time basis as authorized under s. 1002.44.
  8. Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services or fees for services provided by a choice navigator. Such services must be provided by a person who holds a valid Florida educator’s certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, a person who holds an adjunct teaching certificate pursuant to s. 1012.57, a person who has a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in the subject area in which instruction is given, a person who has demonstrated a mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to s. 1012.56(5), or a person certified by a nationally or internationally recognized research-based training program as approved by the department. As used in this subparagraph, the term “part-time tutoring services” does not qualify as regular school attendance as defined in s. 1003.01(16)(e).
  9. Fees for specialized summer education programs.
  10. Fees for specialized after-school education programs.
  11. Transition services provided by job coaches.
  12. Fees for an annual evaluation of educational progress by a state-certified teacher under s. 1002.41(1)(f), if this option is chosen for a home education student.
  13. Tuition and fees associated with programs offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.55 and school readiness providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.88.
  14. Fees for services provided at a center that is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
  15. Fees for services provided by a therapist who is certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or credentialed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.
Textbooks:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
Curricula and Supplementary Materials:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
Computers/Technology:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
Testing Fees:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
Summer/Afterschool learning (not daycare):
- Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:
  II. Parents of an EFA student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student's EFA only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the EFA student:
  (a) Tuition and fees at a private school.
  (b) Tuition and fees for non-public online learning programs.
  (c) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility.
  (d) Services contracted for and provided by a district public school, chartered public school, public academy, or independent school, including, but not limited to, individual classes and curricular activities and programs.
  (e) Textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials, including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider.
  (f) Computer hardware, Internet connectivity, or other technological services and devices, that are primarily used to help meet an EFA student's educational needs.
  (g) Educational software and applications.
  (h) School uniforms.
  (i) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, examinations related to college or university admission or awarding of credits and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for such exams.
  (j) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized education programs.
  (k) Tuition, fees, instructional materials, and examination fees at a career or technical school.
  (l) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies.
  (m) Tuition and fees at an institution of higher education.
  (n) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider.
  (o) Any other educational expense approved by the scholarship organization.
College Savings Plan:
- Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:
  (b) Program funds awarded to a student with a disability determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) may be used for the following purposes:
  1. Instructional materials, including digital devices, digital periphery devices, and assistive technology devices that allow a student to access instruction or instructional content and training on the use of and maintenance agreements for these devices.
  2. Curriculum as defined in subsection (2).
  3. Specialized services by approved providers or by a hospital in this state which are selected by the parent. These specialized services may include, but are not limited to:
  a. Applied behavior analysis services as provided in ss. 627.6686 and 641.31098.
  b. Services provided by speech-language pathologists as defined in s. 468.1125(8).
  c. Occupational therapy as defined in s. 468.203.
  d. Services provided by physical therapists as defined in s. 486.021(8).
  e. Services provided by listening and spoken language specialists and an appropriate acoustical environment for a child who has a hearing impairment, including deafness, and who has received an implant or assistive hearing device.
  4. Tuition and fees associated with full-time or part-time enrollment in a home education program; an eligible private school; an eligible postsecondary educational institution or a program offered by the postsecondary educational institution, unless the program is subject to s. 1009.25 or reimbursed pursuant to s. 1009.30; an approved preapprenticeship program as defined in s. 446.021(5) which is not subject to s. 1009.25 and complies with all applicable requirements of the department pursuant to chapter 1005; a private tutoring program authorized under s. 1002.43; a virtual program offered by a department-approved private online provider that meets the provider qualifications specified in s. 1002.45(2)(a); the Florida Virtual School as a private paying student; or an approved online course offered pursuant to s. 1003.499 or s. 1004.0961.
  5. Fees for nationally standardized, norm-referenced achievement tests, Advanced Placement Examinations, industry certification examinations, assessments related to postsecondary education, or other assessments.
  6. Contributions to the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program pursuant to s. 1009.98 or the Florida College Savings Program pursuant to s. 1009.981 for the benefit of the eligible student.
  7. Contracted services provided by a public school or school district, including classes. A student who receives services under a contract under this paragraph is not considered enrolled in a public school for eligibility purposes as specified in subsection (6) but rather attending a public school on a part-time basis as authorized under s. 1002.44.
  8. Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services or fees for services provided by a choice navigator. Such services must be provided by a person who holds a valid Florida educator’s certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, a person who holds an adjunct teaching certificate pursuant to s. 1012.57, a person who has a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in the subject area in which instruction is given, a person who has demonstrated a mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to s. 1012.56(5), or a person certified by a nationally or internationally recognized research-based training program as approved by the department. As used in this subparagraph, the term “part-time tutoring services” does not qualify as regular school attendance as defined in s. 1003.01(16)(e).
  9. Fees for specialized summer education programs.
  10. Fees for specialized after-school education programs.
  11. Transition services provided by job coaches.
  12. Fees for an annual evaluation of educational progress by a state-certified teacher under s. 1002.41(1)(f), if this option is chosen for a home education student.
  13. Tuition and fees associated with programs offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.55 and school readiness providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.88.
  14. Fees for services provided at a center that is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
  15. Fees for services provided by a therapist who is certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or credentialed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.
College Tuition/Fees:
- Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:
  (3) Use the scholarship funds deposited into a personal education student account only for the following qualifying education expenses of the eligible student:
  a. Tuition and fees for a G.S. 115C-562.5 compliant school, disbursed as provided in subdivision (1) of subsection (a1) of this section.
  b. Textbooks required by a nonpublic school.
  c. Tutoring and teaching services provided by an individual or facility accredited by a State, regional, or national accrediting organization.
  d. Curricula.
  e. Fees for nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement tests, advanced placement tests, or nationally recognized college entrance exams.
  f. Fees charged to the account holder for the management of the PESA.
  g. Fees for services provided by a public school, including individual classes and extracurricular programs.
  h. Premiums charged to the account holder for any insurance or surety bonds required by the Authority.
  i. Educational therapies from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider.
  j. Educational technology defined by the Authority as approved for use pursuant to G.S. 115C-591(2a).
  k. Student transportation, pursuant to a contract with an entity that regularly provides student transportation, to and from (i) a provider of education or related services or (ii) an education activity.
  l. Transaction or merchant fees charged to the account holder, not to exceed two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the cost of the item or service.
  (3a) Use of scholarship funds for reimbursement of tuition. - Notwithstanding sub-subdivision a. of subdivision (3) of this subsection, a parent of an eligible student may pay tuition to Part 1 or 2 nonpublic schools that are not G.S. 115C-562.5compliant schools with funds other than funds available in the personal education student account and then request reimbursement from the Authority from scholarship funds if the parent complies with the provisions of subdivision (2) of subsection (a1) of this section.
  (4) Not use scholarship funds for any of the following purposes:
  a. Computer hardware or other technological devices not defined by the Authority as educational technology approved for use pursuant to G.S. 115C-591(2a).
  b. Consumable educational supplies, including paper, pen, or markers.
  c. Tuition and fees at an institution of higher education, as defined in G.S. 116-143.1, or a private postsecondary institution.
  d. Tuition and fees for a nonpublic school that meets the requirements of Part 3 of Article 39 of this Chapter.
College Textbooks:
- Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:
  20-7-1704. Use of Montana special needs equal opportunity education savings account -- allowable educational resources. (1) The superintendent of public instruction shall allow money deposited in the Montana special needs equal opportunity education savings account to be used to reimburse parents for the purchase of the following educational resources only for the benefit of the individual for whom the account was created:
  
  (a) qualified school tuition, fees, textbooks, software, or other instructional materials or services;
  
  (b) an educational program or course using electronic or offsite delivery methods, including but not limited to tutoring, distance learning programs, online programs, and technology delivered learning programs;
  
  (c) curriculum, including supplemental materials necessary for the curriculum;
  
  (d) tutoring;
  
  (e) educational therapies or services, including but not limited to occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies from licensed or certified practitioners or providers, including licensed or certified paraprofessionals or educational aides;
  
  (f) state or nationally recognized assessment tests, advanced placement exams, entrance examinations at an eligible postsecondary institution, or other assessment instruments;
  
  (g) services provided by a public school in the state, including individual classes and extracurricular activities;
  
  (h) eligible postsecondary institution tuition, books, online courses, or other fees;
  
  (i) no more than $50 annually in consumable education supplies, such as paper, pens, and markers;
  
  (j) transportation required for another allowable educational service;
  
  (k) fees paid to a cooperative educational program; and
  
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the superintendent of public instruction.
  
  (2) Account funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or participating student in any manner.
  
  (3) A parent may pay for educational services or costs not covered by account funds.
  
  (4) Nothing in this part may be construed to require that a qualified student must be enrolled, full-time or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
CTE / Industry Credentials:
- Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:
  (b) Program funds awarded to a student with a disability determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) may be used for the following purposes:
  1. Instructional materials, including digital devices, digital periphery devices, and assistive technology devices that allow a student to access instruction or instructional content and training on the use of and maintenance agreements for these devices.
  2. Curriculum as defined in subsection (2).
  3. Specialized services by approved providers or by a hospital in this state which are selected by the parent. These specialized services may include, but are not limited to:
  a. Applied behavior analysis services as provided in ss. 627.6686 and 641.31098.
  b. Services provided by speech-language pathologists as defined in s. 468.1125(8).
  c. Occupational therapy as defined in s. 468.203.
  d. Services provided by physical therapists as defined in s. 486.021(8).
  e. Services provided by listening and spoken language specialists and an appropriate acoustical environment for a child who has a hearing impairment, including deafness, and who has received an implant or assistive hearing device.
  4. Tuition and fees associated with full-time or part-time enrollment in a home education program; an eligible private school; an eligible postsecondary educational institution or a program offered by the postsecondary educational institution, unless the program is subject to s. 1009.25 or reimbursed pursuant to s. 1009.30; an approved preapprenticeship program as defined in s. 446.021(5) which is not subject to s. 1009.25 and complies with all applicable requirements of the department pursuant to chapter 1005; a private tutoring program authorized under s. 1002.43; a virtual program offered by a department-approved private online provider that meets the provider qualifications specified in s. 1002.45(2)(a); the Florida Virtual School as a private paying student; or an approved online course offered pursuant to s. 1003.499 or s. 1004.0961.
  5. Fees for nationally standardized, norm-referenced achievement tests, Advanced Placement Examinations, industry certification examinations, assessments related to postsecondary education, or other assessments.
  6. Contributions to the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program pursuant to s. 1009.98 or the Florida College Savings Program pursuant to s. 1009.981 for the benefit of the eligible student.
  7. Contracted services provided by a public school or school district, including classes. A student who receives services under a contract under this paragraph is not considered enrolled in a public school for eligibility purposes as specified in subsection (6) but rather attending a public school on a part-time basis as authorized under s. 1002.44.
  8. Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services or fees for services provided by a choice navigator. Such services must be provided by a person who holds a valid Florida educator’s certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, a person who holds an adjunct teaching certificate pursuant to s. 1012.57, a person who has a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in the subject area in which instruction is given, a person who has demonstrated a mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to s. 1012.56(5), or a person certified by a nationally or internationally recognized research-based training program as approved by the department. As used in this subparagraph, the term “part-time tutoring services” does not qualify as regular school attendance as defined in s. 1003.01(16)(e).
  9. Fees for specialized summer education programs.
  10. Fees for specialized after-school education programs.
  11. Transition services provided by job coaches.
  12. Fees for an annual evaluation of educational progress by a state-certified teacher under s. 1002.41(1)(f), if this option is chosen for a home education student.
  13. Tuition and fees associated with programs offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.55 and school readiness providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.88.
  14. Fees for services provided at a center that is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
  15. Fees for services provided by a therapist who is certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or credentialed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.
Insurance Premiums / Surety Bonds:
- Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:
  (3) Use the scholarship funds deposited into a personal education student account only for the following qualifying education expenses of the eligible student:
  a. Tuition and fees for a G.S. 115C-562.5 compliant school, disbursed as provided in subdivision (1) of subsection (a1) of this section.
  b. Textbooks required by a nonpublic school.
  c. Tutoring and teaching services provided by an individual or facility accredited by a State, regional, or national accrediting organization.
  d. Curricula.
  e. Fees for nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement tests, advanced placement tests, or nationally recognized college entrance exams.
  f. Fees charged to the account holder for the management of the PESA.
  g. Fees for services provided by a public school, including individual classes and extracurricular programs.
  h. Premiums charged to the account holder for any insurance or surety bonds required by the Authority.
  i. Educational therapies from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider.
  j. Educational technology defined by the Authority as approved for use pursuant to G.S. 115C-591(2a).
  k. Student transportation, pursuant to a contract with an entity that regularly provides student transportation, to and from (i) a provider of education or related services or (ii) an education activity.
  l. Transaction or merchant fees charged to the account holder, not to exceed two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the cost of the item or service.
  (3a) Use of scholarship funds for reimbursement of tuition. - Notwithstanding sub-subdivision a. of subdivision (3) of this subsection, a parent of an eligible student may pay tuition to Part 1 or 2 nonpublic schools that are not G.S. 115C-562.5compliant schools with funds other than funds available in the personal education student account and then request reimbursement from the Authority from scholarship funds if the parent complies with the provisions of subdivision (2) of subsection (a1) of this section.
  (4) Not use scholarship funds for any of the following purposes:
  a. Computer hardware or other technological devices not defined by the Authority as educational technology approved for use pursuant to G.S. 115C-591(2a).
  b. Consumable educational supplies, including paper, pen, or markers.
  c. Tuition and fees at an institution of higher education, as defined in G.S. 116-143.1, or a private postsecondary institution.
  d. Tuition and fees for a nonpublic school that meets the requirements of Part 3 of Article 39 of this Chapter.
Other Approved by Admin:
- Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:
  (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
  (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
  (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
  (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
  (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
  (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
  (f) fees for approved:
  (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
  (2) industry certification exams; or
  (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
  (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
  (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
  (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
  (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
  (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
  (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.

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SOUTH CAROLINA: Education Scholarship Trust Fund