BERKELEY COUNTY- The number of students taking quite literally FULL advantage of West Virginia’s school choice scholarship has nearly doubled, according to state leaders.
State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as Chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, announced that 26,617 students have applied for full-funding for the Hope Scholarship Program for the 2026-2027 school year. Using the latest application data available, the estimated cost of the initial application period for the program for the 2026-2027 school year is currently $155 million. The estimated cost will continue to increase throughout the year as applications are received for reduced funding amounts.
“We are so excited to welcome thousands of new families into the Hope Scholarship Program. Seeing the Education Savings Account nearly double in participation is a true indicator of the impact and popularity of the program,” Treasurer Pack said. “Now our team turns their attention to helping these students get the resources they need to tailor their education towards their unique needs. Our goal is for West Virginia will continue to lead the nation in education innovation as we continue to build the program.”
During the 2026 Legislative Session, the West Virginia Legislature and Governor appropriated approximately $277 million to the Hope Scholarship Program.
Existing private school and traditional homeschool students who had not previously been eligible for the program are now eligible due to universal expansion causing the increase.
A student application submitted within the following dates will receive the associated level of Hope Scholarship funding:
The scholarship amount for the 2026-2027 school year is $5,435.62. Scholarship funds will now be distributed on a quarterly basis.
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