How To Apply
Applying for an Education Student Accounts (ESA+) scholarship is a simple, four-step process.
How To Apply
Applying for an Education Student Accounts (ESA+) scholarship is a simple, four-step process.
Plan Before You Apply
The application for the 2025-2026 school year opens on February 6, 2025, and we’re here if you need any help along the way.
There are a few things you can do ahead of time to get ready for the application process.
How to Apply
1. Create a MyPortal Account
MyPortal is the platform families use to apply for the ESA+.
2. Apply for the ESA+
Apply in MyPortal from February 6 - March 6, 2025.
3. Upload Eligibility Determination
Upload your student’s eligibility determination in MyPortal as soon as you complete the application.
4. Check MyPortal (early May)
Check MyPortal for updates regarding your application.
Resources to Help You Apply
Webinars
MyPortal
Required Documents
Application FAQs
Yes. Students who receive the ESA+ Scholarship may choose from a variety of co-enrollment options. Co-enrollment in a public school is contingent on the policies of the local public school district. There is a reduced award for ESA+ recipients who co-enroll in a public school.
No. Applying for the ESA+ does not enroll your student in a school. You will need to follow the admissions process for the school you choose.
Scholarship funding is limited. Applications submitted February 1st through March 1st are entered in a lottery, and scholarships are awarded until funding is exhausted.
No. Scholarships are awarded per child. Parents applying for more than one student should submit a separate application for each student.
No. MyPortal allows for one parent of record on the account. If you wish to make a change, the parent of record must email the program to request that the information be changed. A task will be added to your record and steps must be completed before these changes can be made. Change of Parent Form
When parents are separated or divorced and share joint custody (50/50) of the student(s), either one can be the MyPortal account owner and apply.
That depends on whether the student is enrolled in private school or home school. Students enrolled in full-time home school may use the entire scholarship for allowable expenses. Students enrolled in private school must use scholarship funds for tuition first, and remaining funds can be used for allowable expenses. If the total amount of the scholarship is used for tuition, no funds will remain for allowable expenses.
No. Students in preschool or transitional Kindergarten are not eligible for the ESA+ program. The scholarship may only be used for students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade.
No. An Eligibility Determination issued by a North Carolina public school is the only document we can accept to verify a student’s eligibility.
Yes. The document can be submitted two additional times. All resubmits must be completed within three weeks of the date you submitted the application. Need help identifying or submitting the correct document? Contact us to set up a one-on-one appointment.
