State Treasurer Larry Pack today released the following statement after passage of a House Originating Bill relating to the Hope Scholarship Program from the House Finance Committee. The bill will change payments to Hope participants from bi-annual to quarterly. 

“We appreciate Chairman Criss’s decision on reconsidering changes that were previously introduced to the Hope Scholarship Program. We understand the need to thoroughly examine all government initiatives and look forward to having future conversations with the leadership of both Houses on this program. The Hope Scholarship has had a tremendous impact on thousands of students in West Virginia. We want to ensure the longevity of the program for years to come,” Treasurer Pack said.

“Before the Legislative Session started, we vowed to defend the program. We kept that promise. Our focus, now, turns to implementing universal eligibility, starting next week, as well as reviewing all aspects of the program to make thoughtful improvements. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming thousands of new families to the best education savings account program in the country.”

The Hope Scholarship award amount varies each school year depending on the amount of state aid funding per pupil provided to county boards of education for public school students. The projected scholarship amount for the 2026-2027 school year under the existing statutory language is $5,435.62.

The deadline to apply for 25 percent of this year’s Hope Scholarship funding amount is February 28.

The Hope Scholarship will open to all school-age children residing in West Virginia beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. New applications for that school year will be available on March 2.

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