Apply for ESTF Scholarship: Participant

So you want to apply to be an ESTF Scholarship Participant? Here’s some frequently asked questions about participating in the Education Scholarship Trust Fund.

ESTF Scholarship Participant FAQs

This post is informational for homeschool families who are interested in finding out more about the possibilities to get financial assistance in covering your educational costs.

The award amount for 2026-2027 school year is $7,634 per student, disbursed in quarterly allotments.
All fees are paid directly thru the Class Wallet portal. No reimbursements for pay-out-of-pocket expenses.

Where to find information about the ESTFs?

The SC Department of Education is the main point of contact for information and applications. The SC DOE handles the policies for implementation of the program. They can clarify any changes or updates about the unbundler option.
Contact at SC Department of Ed: [email protected]
Palmetto NavigatEd is another resource for information about the scholarship program. Tutorial videos, FAQs and more.
Contact: [email protected]
Outbridge SC has information about the, as well as the complete list of the service providers approved by Class Wallet. Some assistance is available to help you pick your materials and plan your course of study.
Contact: [email protected]
Class Wallet is the company who oversees the financial accounts for the scholarship programs nationwide. SC has a direct payment-invoice disbursement to approved service providers only. There is no reimbursement for receipts of expenses paid-out-of-pocket. All transactions are done thru the digital portal.
Contact: [email protected]
Read it for yourself. The ESTF Legislation S62 that went into effect May 7, 2025. SC Code of Law 59-8-110: Education Scholarship Trust Fund.

Applications for the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) are *closed for 2026-2027* school year. It is currently on a waitlist, but you can still apply to get on the waitlist. Some spaces may open up. Click HERE for the waitlist application.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Students must be K5-12th grade (not older than 22), Resident of SC, Household income 500% or 300% below the poverty line. Priority for activy duty military families.
Application includes: Proof of guardianship, Proof of income, Proof of residency. (Opt: Proof of Active-Duty Military)
Prior school enrollment does not matter. Once approved, you have to sign a waiver that states you are not in a public school and not homeschooling under any of the Options 1,2 or 3.

What expenses can the scholarship be used for?

Tuition and fees for private schools and virual schools
Tutors and Educational therapies
Classes and Extra curricular activities
Curriculum, Textbooks, Workbooks, Reading books
Instructional materials and school supplies
Computer hardware and technological devices
Standard Test materials
Educational Consulting Services

How does the program work for personalized learning plan (also called Unbundlers)?

Sign the agreement that you are not with any of the homeschool accountability options. The associations cannot be service providers and you are not supposed to pay out of pocket for association membership.
The agreement satisfies compulsory attendance (under 59-8-115(I), so that you are accountable to directly to the Department of Ed for your course of study requirements.
Your course of study must include: English/Language Arts with Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science.
Submit results of annual standardized testing of an approved norm-referenced summative assessment. Or formative assessment 3 times per year (beginning, end of 1st semester, end of year). Grades 3rd-12th grade.
K5-2nd grade and students with disabilities do not take standardized tests, but submit a progress report or portfolio of work samples instead.
More about educating at home with personalized learning.

What is the controversy about ESTF?

Public school advocates see ESTFs as public funds going to private education. Underfunded public schools are concerned that this will divert more of the state budget away, and make it more difficult to meet the needs of their students.
Homeschool advocates see ESTFs as an opening for increased governmental regulations on all homeschoolers. Specifically, academic scrutiny about course of study, standardized testing and vaccination requirements.
Senators who initiated the legislation have raised concerns about the unbundler-personalized education plan. They have voiced concerns about fraud, neglence and other nefarious motives. Proposed a new legislation (S692) and a budget proviso recommendation to revise the ESTF code of law going forward.
ESTF advocates see this an an opt-in program, with the understanding that the terms of participation affect only the individuals in the program. It does not change a single letter of the homeschool code of law. Some have concerns about the familiar support resources of their association and about the doors of opportunity after graduation.

The program is new and you will be pioneering this new opportunity. The dust of controversy will eventually settle down and the uncertainties will be resolved. You can reach out directly to the Department of Education to address any issues or policy concerns.

You can also reach out to the SC Homeschooling Connection with questions: [email protected].