South Carolina Department of Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program

South Carolina Department of Education

Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) Program. The ESTF program provides $6,000 scholarships to qualifying South Carolina students. The South Carolina Department of Education administers the ESTF and has contracted with ClassWallet for programmatic support and to manage the distribution of scholarship funds to participating families. Learn more and get started below!

The 2025-2026 student application is open NOW! To be eligible, your application must be completed and submitted by March 15th, 2025.

Apply Now

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.

Does My Family Qualify?

To qualify for the 2025-2026 school year, the student must:

  • Be a resident of South Carolina AND
  • Have attended a South Carolina public school during the 2024-2025 school year OR will be turning five on or before September 1, 2025, AND
  • Have a household income that does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty guidelines OR be a confirmed Medicaid recipient (by individual student). AND
  • Not attend a public school in their resident school district for the 2025-2026 school year.

Federal Poverty Guidelines

Persons in Family/Household 2024 Federal Poverty Guideline 300% of Federal Poverty Guideline
1 $ 15,060.00 $ 45,180.00
2 $ 20,440.00 $ 61,320.00
3 $ 25,820.00 $ 77,460.00
4 $ 31,200.00 $ 93,600.00
5 $ 36,580.00 $ 109,740.00
6 $ 41,960.00 $ 125,880.00
7 $ 47,340.00 $ 142,020.00
8 $ 52,720.00 $ 158,160.00
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $16,140 for each additional person.

Homeschool students (as defined in Sections 59-65-40 [Option 1], 59-65-45 [Option 2], 59-65-47 [Option 3]) and students participating in the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children's Fund program for the 2024-2025 school year (as defined in Section 12-6-3790) are not eligible for this scholarship program. The identified school year would increase by one term in each additional year.

Next Steps

  • Step 1: Start the application process through FACTS.

    Apply Now
  • Step 2: Access scholarship funds on ClassWallet

    After receiving your award letter from FACTS, you will receive a Welcome Email from ClassWallet with next steps on how to access your scholarship funds through the ClassWallet platform.

  • Step 3: Use your student's scholarship

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

    Approved expenses include:

    • Tutoring
    • Curriculum
    • Educational Therapies
    • Educational Materials
    • Technology

Education Service Providers

Thank you for your interest in serving ESTF families & students. "Education Service Providers" 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. The Department has developed an application process for participation in the program which outlines the criteria and timeline for approval.

Get Started

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

    Education Service Provider Application
  • Step 2: You will receive notification of the state's decision within 10 business days of your submission.

  • Step 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.
Call ClassWallet

(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.

https://www.outbridge-sc.org

IMPORTANT

  • Scholarships are awarded to students meeting the qualifications on a first-come, first-served basis. Notifications will be sent out in March.
  • For help connecting with approved service providers or for additional suport using your ESTF funds, visit Outbridge.
  • Families: Watch a recorded webinar about the program.

Already Applied?

If you have already submitted an application, click below to log-in and check your application status.
Check Application Status

Resources for Families & Students

  • Download the Participant Guide
  • Current ESTF families must follow the renewal steps sent by email to remain in the program for the 2025-2026 school year. If you have questions about the renewal process, contact ClassWallet at help@classwallet.com
  • FAQs

Resources For Service Providers