ELIGIBILITY CATEGORIES
Does Your Student Qualify?
Students with a Disability
Students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade with disabilities identified through an IEP (Individualized Education Plans) or 504 plans qualify for an Empowerment Scholarship.
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Students qualifying under this category are also able to take extra time to complete high school graduation and into college, and use funds to pay for crucial services from paraprofessionals because accommodations can be difficult to obtain and very expensive in college.
Students in D & F Rated Schools
Students living in the boundaries of and attending a school that is graded D or F by the Arizona State Board of Education are qualified for Empowerment Scholarships. In fiscal year 2019, there were 193 schools rated D or F in Arizona. These represent schools across 111 districts, 14 counties, serving children from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Students Adopted from Foster Care
Children that have been wards of the state, and have been (or will soon be) permanently placed with a family or adopted qualify for the Empowerment Scholarship Account program.
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These children can benefit from the ESA program because it provides stability to a child who has experienced instability and and upheaval in their lives. Many children in foster care can often struggle with emotional trauma and behavioral difficulties that impacts their learning as well, and families of these students can utilize the program to provide them the security, reliability, and individuality they need to learn in a safe and nurturing environment.
Siblings of Current or Previous Recipients
Children of Active Duty Military Members or Service Members Killed in the Line of Duty
Students who have a parent who is an active member of Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard qualify for the Empowerment Scholarship Program*.
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*Students qualifying under this category do not need to meet the 100 day public school attendance requirement.
Students Residing in the Boundaries of a Native American Reservation
Student of Parent who is Legally Blind, Deaf, or Hard of Hearing
Siblings of Current or Previous Recipients
