“Today, South Carolina joins the parental choice revolution with passage of its first education scholarship account program. This approach—the most flexible kind of education choice—will be a game-changer for families in the Palmetto State.
“The Education Scholarship Trust Fund will deliver educational freedom to thousands of students with the greatest financial need. It’s a great step toward giving all South Carolina families access to the learning experience that fits each student best.
“I applaud Gov. Henry McMaster, Sen. Larry Grooms, Rep. Shannon Erickson, Speaker Murrell Smith and the members of the South Carolina General Assembly for their enduring commitment to families and hard-fought effort to get this program across the finish line.”
About the Legislation
The Education Scholarship Trust Fund, SB 39, passed out of both chambers and is awaiting Gov. Henry McMaster’s signature.
The Education Scholarship Trust Fund will create education scholarship accounts for up to 15,000 K-12 students with the greatest financial need. Eligible students can receive up to $6,000 for qualifying education expenses, including private school tuition, textbooks, tutoring services, therapies, technology, and industry certification, exam and transportation fees.
Education scholarship accounts are gaining momentum across the country. South Carolina becomes the sixth state in the nation to adopt or expand an ESA program during the 2023 legislative season. Thirteen states now offer families education opportunities.
