Families Can Begin Using Scholarship Funds on August 13

State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as Chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, today announced more than 25,000 Hope Scholarship students who have been approved for the 2026-2027 school year will have their first quarterly funds distributed to their accounts two days ahead of schedule on Thursday, August 13.

“Our Hope Scholarship team continues to set the gold standard for government by prioritizing speed, efficiency, responsiveness, and outstanding customer service. Their commitment to serving West Virginia families has put us ahead of schedule, allowing us to distribute the first quarterly payments early so parents can confidently prepare for the upcoming school year,” Treasurer Pack said. “What is truly amazing is that the Hope Scholarship has become what may be the largest school district in West Virginia due to expanded eligibility. As more students apply for the program, we will continue to help families access educational opportunities that best meet their child’s needs.”

Since January, nearly 29,000 students have started Hope Scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 school year. Of those applications, more than 25,000 student accounts will receive the first round of funding with 1,485 active providers for families to access high-quality educational resources.

More than 13,000 are returning Hope Scholarship recipients who submitted their Continuing Participation Confirmations and demonstrated annual progress. More than 12,000 are new students who applied for the program.

Treasurer Pack announced in March that all West Virginia children in grades K-12, including existing private school and traditional homeschool students who have not previously been eligible for the Hope Scholarship Program, are now eligible to apply to participate in the State’s Education Savings Account program that provides funding to students exercising school choice in lieu of attending public school full-time.

Applications are available online at www.HopeScholarshipWV.gov.

A student application submitted within the following dates will receive the associated level of Hope Scholarship funding:

• June 16-Sept. 15: 75% of Hope Scholarship annual award amount.
• Sept. 16-Nov. 30: 50% of Hope Scholarship annual award amount.
• Dec. 1-Feb. 28: 25% of Hope Scholarship annual award amount.

The Hope Scholarship award amount for the 2026-2027 school year is $5,435.62. Scholarship funds are distributed on a quarterly basis.

For more information on the Hope Scholarship, visit www.HopeScholarshipWV.gov.