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

To qualify for the 2026-2027 school year, the student 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  

• 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 As part of participation in the ESTF program, a student must be withdrawn from their resident public school.

Priority Window 1: Through Jan 14th - CLOSED

Returning families (including siblings) from this 2025-2026 school year can renew now through January 14, 2026. If you missed the application window, apply in Priority Window 2 from January 15 - February 8th.

Window 2 prioritizes the following families for the ESTF scholarship:

• 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.

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, 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.