“Today marks a significant leap forward in the pursuit of high-quality education for all students in North Carolina. This legislation clears the waitlist for Opportunity Scholarships and Education Student Accounts (ESA+), reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and families across the Tar Heel State.
“I commend Senate Leader Phil Berger, Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton, Sen. Michael Lee, House Speaker Tim Moore, House Majority Leader John Bell and Chairman Destin Hall and the dedicated legislators who have championed this initiative. Their unwavering support ensures that North Carolina’s education system continues to improve, providing students with the resources and learning opportunities they need to thrive, both in school and beyond.”
About HB 10
The school choice funding legislation includes significant support for families choosing private education through the Opportunity Scholarship Program and the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program. Key provisions include:
During the 2024-25 school year priority application period, North Carolina families filed nearly 72,000 new applications for the Opportunity Scholarship Program, which provides income-based scholarships for students to attend the school that best fits their educational needs.
The program exhausted its funding after offering scholarships to 13,511 applicants in the lowest income tier and about 2,300 applicants in the second income tier. As of July 2024, more than 54,000 students are on the waitlist for Opportunity Scholarships.
HB 10 signifies a substantial investment in the future of North Carolina’s educational landscape, ensuring that all students have access to the quality education they deserve. The legislation now heads to Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk. He is expected to veto the bill, and the legislature will have the opportunity to override his veto.
