Apply for $7,634 in funds for the 2026-2027 School Year

To be eligible for the 2026-2027 school year, students must:

  • Be a resident of South Carolina; AND

  • Be a K-12 student, has not graduated and has not reached the age of 22; AND

  • Be at least five years old on or before 9/1/2026; AND

  • Have a household income that does not exceed 500% of the federal poverty guidelines; AND

  • Cannot participate in a home instruction program under SC Code Sections 59-65-40, 59-65-45, or 59-65-47, AND

  • Cannot receive the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children for the 2026-2027 school year; AND  

  • Cannot attend their resident public school for the 2026-2027 school year.

    NOTE: Your resident public school is the school that your student is zoned to attend, based on your address. As part of participation in the ESTF program, a student must be withdrawn from their resident public school.

  • Returning families (including siblings) from this 2025-2026 school year could have applied with priority through January 14, 2026.

  • Window 2 closed on February 8th. It prioritized applications for families who are:

    • Active-duty parent or guardian stationed in South Carolina OR

    • Income at or below 300% FPL OR

    • Prior year public school attendance OR

    • Returning awarded student or sibling who missed Window 1

  • All eligible students can apply.

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2025 Poverty Guidelines for ESTF Qualifications

ALL ESTF returning and new applicants must have a household income of less than 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines. For Priority Window 2 (closed on February 8th), applicants must have less than 300% of household income. Applicants should count themselves and children under age 21. Visit here for more information on determining your household size.