West Virginia families have more freedom than ever to customize their children’s education.
The Hope Scholarship, the state’s pioneering Education Savings Account (ESA) program, allows parents to direct state education dollars toward the learning environment that works best for their specific needs.
Scholarship Summary: What is the Hope Scholarship?
The Hope Scholarship is not a traditional merit-based scholarship. It is an Education Savings Account (ESA).
Instead of state tax dollars going automatically to the public school system, the state deposits a portion of those funds into a digital account controlled by the parent.
These funds can be used for a wide variety of approved educational expenses.
For the 2025–2026 school year, the full annual award amount is $5,267.38 per student.
This amount varies annually based on the state’s average per-pupil funding. The program is governed by the West Virginia Hope Scholarship Board and administered by the State Treasurer’s Office.
Eligibility and Selection Process
Currently, eligibility is based on a student’s prior enrollment status or age. However, the program is set to become universal in 2026.
Below is a breakdown of who qualifies now and who will qualify in the near future.
Eligibility Criteria (2025–2026 School Year)
| Student Category | Specific Requirements |
| Incoming Kindergarteners | Must be eligible to enroll in kindergarten (typically 5 years old by July 1). No prior public school attendance is required. |
| Public School Transfers | Must have been enrolled full-time in a WV public school for the entire 2024-25 instructional term. |
| The “45-Day” Rule | Students currently in public school must be enrolled/attending for at least 45 consecutive calendar days at the time of application. They must remain enrolled until the award letter is received. |
| Universal Eligibility (Future) | Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, ALL West Virginia K-12 students will be eligible, including current private school and homeschool students who do not meet the criteria above. |
Important Eligibility Nuances
- Residency: The student must be a current resident of West Virginia.
- Age Limit: Students must be under 21 and cannot have graduated high school.
- Immediate Family: Parents cannot pay themselves or immediate family members (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles) for tutoring services using scholarship funds.
2025-2026 Application Timeline & Proration
The Hope Scholarship accepts applications year-round, but the amount of funding you receive depends entirely on when you apply.
To receive the full award, you must apply during the primary window.
Funding Proration Schedule
| Application Window | Funding Amount | Award Value (Approx.) |
| March 1 – June 15, 2025 | 100% of Award | $5,267.38 |
| June 16 – Sept. 15, 2025 | 75% of Award | ~$3,950.53 |
| Sept. 16 – Nov. 30, 2025 | 50% of Award | ~$2,633.69 |
| Dec. 1 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 25% of Award | ~$1,316.84 |
Note for Renewals: Existing Hope Scholarship students must confirm their continued participation between January 3 and June 15, 2025. Late renewals are generally not accepted.
Scholarship Coverage: What Can You Buy?
The flexibility of the Hope Scholarship is its strongest feature. Funds are managed through an online portal (EMA) where you can pay vendors directly or seek reimbursement for specific approved items.
Allowable Expenses
- Tuition & Fees: For participating private schools and microschools.
- Curriculum: Textbooks, workbooks, and online learning programs (e.g., “off-the-shelf” curriculum).
- Tutoring: Services provided by a facility or an accredited tutor (excluding immediate family).
- Technology: Laptops, iPads, printers, and smartboards (subject to replacement limits).
- Therapies: Occupational, behavioral, speech, and physical therapies provided by licensed professionals.
- Testing: Fees for standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP) and college placement exams.
- Supplies: Basic educational supplies like paper, writing utensils, and art supplies.
- Vocational: Kits and materials for industry-recognized credentials.
What is NOT Covered?
- Pre-K expenses: The program is strictly for K-12.
- Duplicate Technology: You generally cannot purchase a new laptop or tablet if you purchased one with Hope funds within the last two calendar years.
- Entertainment: Theme park tickets (unless a specific educational event), non-educational toys, or standard LEGO sets (only LEGO Education sets are allowed).
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying can feel daunting, but following these specific steps will ensure your application is processed quickly.
Step 1: Obtain WVEIS Number
Every student needs a West Virginia Education Information System (WVEIS) ID number.
- Public School Students: This is already on your report card.
- New Kindergarteners/Homeschoolers: You must contact your local county board of education to request this number. You may need to submit a “Notice of Intent” to the county first to generate this ID.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Before logging in, have digital copies (PDF or JPG) of the following:
- Birth Certificate: State or county issued (no hospital certificates).
- Proof of Residency: Utility bills (gas, water, electric), tax records, or a valid WV driver’s license. Tip: The portal offers a “Plaid” integration to verify residency automatically via driver’s license scan.
Step 3: Create Account in the Portal
Visit the Hope Scholarship Portal and create your account. This system is often referred to as “EMA” (Education Market Assistant).
Step 4: Submit Application
Complete the student profile, enter the WVEIS number, and upload your documents. Ensure the address on your residency documents matches the address in the application exactly.
Step 5: Submit Notice of Intent (NOI)
Once your application is marked Eligible, you must submit a “Notice of Intent” to your local county superintendent.
This legally notifies the county that your child is leaving the public system (or opting out of it) to participate in the Hope Scholarship. This is a crucial compliance step to unlock funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to pay taxes on these funds?
No. Hope Scholarship funds are generally not considered taxable income for the parent or the student (unless used for transportation reimbursements in some specific cases).
Can I use the funds for a student with special needs?
Yes. In fact, therapies (speech, OT, etc.) are qualifying expenses.
However, by accepting the scholarship, you are legally waiving your right to a “Free Appropriate Public Education” (FAPE) and IEP services from the public school system.
What if I decide to return to public school mid-year?
You must notify the Hope Scholarship Board immediately (within 5 days).
Your account will be frozen, and unused funds revert to the state. You cannot “double dip” by attending public school full-time while holding a Hope Scholarship.
Can I buy a computer immediately?
Yes, provided the student hasn’t purchased one with Hope funds in the last 24 months.
Is the 2026 “Universal Eligibility” guaranteed?
Yes, under current state law, the program opens to all WV residents regardless of prior public school enrollment starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
Next Steps
If you are planning to apply for the 2025–2026 school year, ensure you have your application submitted by June 15, 2025, to receive the full $5,267.38. Missing this window can result in a 25% reduction in funding.
For more information, visit the official Hope Scholarship website.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
