Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program

The Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Education that allows qualifying South Carolina families to apply for a scholarship. For the 2025-2026 school year, the award amount is $7,500. For the 2026-2027 school year, the awarded amount will be $7,634.
As of January 15th, the application for families is open for the 2026-2027 school year. Spots are limited!
Please note: In accordance with Act 11, all returning families must submit an application through FACTS for the 2026-2027 school year. There are no exceptions.

IMPORTANT

  • For help connecting with approved service providers or for additional support using your ESTF funds, visit Outbridge.
  • This is a scholarship for Kindergarteners through 12th grade students.
  • Students cannot attend their zoned resident public school.
South Carolina Department of Education

FAMILIES & STUDENTS

Families can use scholarship funds to create a customized, flexible education for their student, including paying for approved expenses like tutoring, educational therapies and out-of-district attendance fees. Please check the tab titled "Resources for Families and Students" for the Participant Guides and additional information.
To qualify for the 2026-2027 school year, the student must:
  • Be a resident of South Carolina
  • Attained the age of five on or before September 1 of the current school year, OR have received a scholarship the previous school year. Must be a K-12 student, has not graduated and has not reached the age of 22.
  • 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 As part of participation in the ESTF program, a student must be withdrawn from their resident public school.
  • Cannot receive the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children for the 2026-2027 school year.
  • Window 1: Returning awarded students and their siblings. Opens November 1st and closes January 14th and priority will be given until Window 2 opens.
  • Window 2: Priority students. Open January 15th - February 8th
    • 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
  • Window 3: All eligible students. Opens February 9th.
Federal Poverty Guidelines
Persons in Family / Household 2025 Federal Poverty Guideline 300% of Federal Poverty Guideline 500%* of Federal Poverty Guideline
1 $15,650.00 $46,950.00 $78,250.00
2 $21,150.00 $63,450.00 $105,750.00
3 $26,650.00 $79,950.00 $133,250.00
4 $32,150.00 $96,450.00 $160,750.00
5 $37,650.00 $112,950.00 $188,250.00
6 $43,150.00 $129,450.00 $215,750.00
7 $48,650.00 $145,950.00 $243,250.00
8 $54,150.00 $162,450.00 $270,750.00
*For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $34,400 for each additional person.
Required Documents
For a full list of required and potentially required documents please review the information here.
  1. Proof of Guardianship
    • Legal documents may include foster paperwork, adoption papers, divorce agreements, the 2024 or 2025 tax return or a birth certificate.
  2. Proof of Income
    • 2024 or newer tax return documentation or, if applicants do not file taxes, information on income.
  3. Proof of Residency
    • Driver’s License or State Issued ID, Utility Bills (Gas, Electric, Water), Government/ Govt. Agency Issued Mail (TANF, SNAP, voter registration cards, tax assessments, etc.) Mortgage Statements.
  4. Active-Duty Document (If Applicable)
    • Current Military ID, Leave and Earnings Statement (within 30 days), Orders for Active Duty, Letter from Commanding Officer on military letterhead or a Service Verification Letter.
Next Steps

  1. Access scholarship funds on ClassWallet

    Once your student is approved, you will receive a Welcome Email from ClassWallet with next steps on how to access your scholarship funds through the ClassWallet platform. In late July 2026, your student's scholarship account will be funded with the first quarterly payment, and you'll receive step-by-step instructions on accessing and using the scholarship funds. Stay tuned for support and training!

  2. Use your student's scholarship

    Make payments and purchases for approved expenses using your student's scholarship account through ClassWallet.

EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS

Thank you for your interest in serving ESTF families & students. Education Service Providers or ESPs are individuals or organizations approved by the South Carolina Department of Education to provide educational goods and services to scholarship students at the direction of their parent or guardian. All ESPs must be approved to participate in the program and the Department has developed an application process which outlines the criteria and timeline for approval.
Get Started

  1. To submit an application, complete the Education Service Provider application form.

    Education Service Provider Application

  2. You will receive notification of the state's decision within 10 business days of your submission.

  3. Within 3 business days of your ESP Application approval, you will receive an email from ClassWallet with instructions on finalizing your registration and creating your ClassWallet account. You must register and link your bank account to receive payments from families and students.

HELP & SUPPORT

Need help with the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) Program or the ClassWallet platform?
Contact our support team for assistance.
CLASSWALLET AND FAMILY APPLICATION SUPPORT

(877) 313-1299
Monday through Friday from 8 am - 8 pm ET
Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm ET

EMAIL CLASSWALLET

help@classwallet.com

CONTACT OUTBRIDGE SUPPORT

For help connecting with a provider, or for additional support using your ESTF funds.

(803) 598-2776
https://www.outbridge-sc.org