South Carolina Offers $7,500 K–12 Scholarships, Military Families Receive Priority Access

South Carolina families now have access to a new education opportunity through the state’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) — a $7,500 scholarship designed to support K–12 students from low to moderate-income households. While the program is open to qualifying families statewide, active-duty military families stationed in South Carolina are being granted a one-week priority application window ahead of the general public.

The ESTF scholarship can be used for a range of qualifying educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, online learning programs, curriculum materials, and educational therapies. This initiative aims to expand school choice and provide critical financial support for families seeking customized education options for their children.

Priority Application Period for Military Families

From May 12–19, 2025, military families stationed in South Carolina can apply early for the ESTF scholarship before the general application opens to the broader public. This prioritization recognizes the unique and often mobile lifestyles of military households and seeks to ensure they can access funding for the 2025–26 academic year.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the ESTF scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Grade Level: Students entering kindergarten through 12th grade and under 22 years old.

• Residency: South Carolina residents or children of active-duty military members stationed in the state.

• Income: Household income must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.

• School Enrollment: Students must not be enrolled in their zoned public school for the upcoming academic year.

What Documentation Is Required?

Applicants must provide:

• Proof of guardianship (e.g., birth certificate or tax return)

• Proof of income (e.g., recent tax return or Medicaid card)

• Proof of residency (e.g., state ID, driver’s license, or utility bill)

How to Apply

Military families can submit their applications through the official ESTF portal between May 12 and May 19. All other eligible families can apply beginning May 19. Early applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents in advance to avoid delays.

For more details on how to apply, what expenses are covered, or to check eligibility, visit SCSchoolChoice.com (if the link becomes available again).

Photo credit: South Carolina School Choice Alliance