S.C. Education Scholarship Applications Open Soon: What Families Learned at W.J. Keenan High School
- CUBNSC
- 20 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Columbia, S.C. — Families gathered tonight at W.J. Keenan High School to get clear, timely answers about the Education Scholarship Trust Fund as application windows approach.
The session took place because Dr. Jabar Hankins, principal of W.J. Keenan High School and a graduate of the district, opened the school after hours so the conversation could happen. With the building officially closed, he made sure families still had a place to meet and get information that could directly impact their children’s educational options.
Senator Devine Shows Up and Stands With the Community
This session was convened and moderated by State Senator Tameika Isaac Devine, who did far more than simply lend her name. Senator Devine stayed for the entire event, collected questions from the floor on index cards, moderated the discussion, and ensured that every concern raised became part of the public record.
Importantly, Senator Devine was transparent about her own legislative history. While she did not initially support every component of the Education Scholarship Trust Fund law as passed, she made clear that once a policy becomes law and is funded by taxpayer dollars, the responsibility shifts to ensuring families fully understand and can access the benefits it provides.
Breaking Down the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
The evening’s featured presentation was delivered by Meka Childs, Director of Education Choice and Family Engagement at the South Carolina Department of Education. Childs provided one of the clearest, most comprehensive explanations of the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program currently available to the public.
At its core, the ESTF is South Carolina’s version of an Education Savings Account. For the upcoming school year, the scholarship provides $7,600 per eligible child, with automatic adjustments tied to future increases in state education spending.
Eligibility requirements include:
South Carolina residency
Enrollment eligibility for K–12 (with limited exceptions for students with disabilities)
Household income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level for the 2026–2027 school year
The student cannot attend their zoned public school and cannot be homeschooled
One of the most important clarifications of the night was that this program is not limited to private school tuition. Funds may be used for:
Tutoring and academic support
Transportation (up to $3,000 annually)
Educational therapies such as speech and occupational therapy
Fine arts instruction, including music and visual arts
Technology, supplies, and approved educational goods
Application Dates and What Parents Need to Prepare Now
This session came at exactly the right time. The priority application window opens January 15 at 8:00 a.m., followed by the general application window on February 9 at 8:00 a.m.
Parents should prepare:
IRS tax returns (used to verify income and guardianship)
Proof of residency (lease, utility bill, or similar documentation)
A working email address and the ability to upload documents through the portal
One key takeaway repeated throughout the evening: applications are time-stamped only after all required documentation is submitted. Starting an application without completing it can mean losing a slot, even if eligibility is otherwise met.
Co-Parenting, Guardianship, and Real-World Questions
No topic was avoided. Questions around co-parenting arrangements, shared custody, foster care, and grandparents serving as primary caregivers were raised and addressed directly. The Department of Education acknowledged these realities and emphasized a case-by-case approach designed to “work toward a yes” whenever legally possible.
A Market Opportunity for Providers and the Community
For families, the takeaway from tonight’s session was clear: the Education Scholarship Trust Fund is not theoretical, and it is not distant. Application timelines are approaching, documentation requirements are specific, and access depends on preparation. Parents who understand the process early are better positioned to move through it without delays or missed opportunities.
For providers, the message was equally direct. Participation requires registration with the South Carolina Department of Education, but the demand already exists. Tutors, after-school programs, therapists, transportation services, and enrichment providers that take the time to sign up can become part of a system designed to connect families with services in a streamlined, familiar way.
What happened at W.J. Keenan High School tonight was simple and practical. Families showed up to get information. State officials showed up to explain the program. Questions were answered, timelines were clarified, and the process became easier to understand.
Families can apply through the FACTS portal at https://sc-estf-program.com/en
Questions about the program can be directed to ESTFProgram@ed.sc.gov.