The student application portal will be open for the first student application period from March 1st to April 15th. There will be three more student application periods to follow in 2025. Parents will be notified if their student is awarded funds once the student application window closes. If selected, the student account will receive first payment during the enrollment period that corresponds with the participating student’s application period.

A new organization called the Georgia Education Savings Authority will administer the program. This organization’s duties and powers include keeping track of funds, ensuring there are no conflicts of interest, auditing accounts and monitoring regular student testing. It will operate under the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Additionally, the program stipulates that a “parent review committee” will be established to review expenditures.

The state will provide up to $6,500 per school year to each participating student. It is possible that this amount will increase in future years.

The initial funding of approved students will be available via “promise scholarship accounts,” which are essentially educational savings accounts, during the enrollment period that corresponds with the participating student’s application period. The law directs the Georgia Education Savings Authority to develop a user-friendly, efficient payment system for parents to transfer funds to schools and service providers, avoiding reliance on simply reimbursing expenses. The program stipulates that the Authority will award the funds in quarterly payments to each student’s promise scholarship account. Most likely, the state will contract with an established private financial management firm to provide this service.

The program sets forth specific eligibility criteria including: Georgia Residency: The student’s parent must reside in Georgia and have been a Georgia resident for at least one year. This residency requirement is waived if the parent is an active duty military service member stationed in Georgia within the previous year. Public School Enrollment: The student must be currently enrolled and have been continuously enrolled in a Georgia public school for at least two consecutive enrollment counts, which are taken each March and October. An exception is made for children eligible to enroll in kindergarten. School Zone Residence: Eligibility only extends to students residing in the district of schools performing in the bottom 25% academically, according to a statewide ranking produced by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. A student is eligible if they reside in one of the districts on this list. Family Income Limit: There is no income limit unless the program cannot fund all applicants. In that case, the program will prioritize students already in the program and students whose family income does not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level, which in 2024 equals $103,280 for a family of three or $124,800 for a family of four. Non-participation in Other Programs: The student cannot also receive the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship or funds from a student scholarship organization while participating in this program. Parental Agreement: The parent must agree to provide education in specific subjects, not to enroll the student in a public school while participating, and to use account funds only for qualified education expenses. Additional conditions include the parent assuming financial responsibility for the student’s education, including transportation. Students enrolled in schools operated by the Department of Juvenile Justice are not eligible. Eligibility continues until certain conditions are met, such as returning to public school, graduation, or reaching a certain age.

The program outlines the following qualified education expenses: Tuition and Related Costs: Payments for tuition, fees, and required textbooks for core courses and Career Technical Agricultural and Education (CTAE) courses at eligible schools, community colleges, postsecondary institutions or online programs. Tutoring Services: Costs for tutoring provided by educators certified by the Professional Standards Commission. Curriculum: Expenses for curriculum and any necessary supplemental materials (such as for homeschooling). Therapeutic Services: Fees for services from licensed physicians or therapists for occupational, behavioral, physical or speech-language therapies. Transportation: Up to $500 per year for fee-for-service transportation to or from eligible schools or service providers. Account Management Fees: Charges related to the management of account funds. Other Authorized Expenses: Costs authorized by the State Board of Education or the educational savings authority. Individual Education Expenses: Other expenses approved by a majority of the parent review committee.

To apply for the scholarship, click HERE! If you are awarded funds, you will receive initial payment during the enrollment period that corresponds to your application period.