By Erin Smith
Opportunity Scholarships are helping families and also expanding school choice in North Carolina. In Bladen County, as of July 31, 2017, 16 families in Bladen County have been awarded Opportunity Scholarships, according to the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority. The program was established by the NC General Assembly in 2013.
“The overwhelming demand of the Opportunity Scholarship Program, in a short period, sends a clear message that families across our state continue to demand quality educational options for their children,” said Darrell Allison, Founding President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina.
North Carolina General Statute 115C-562.1 authorizes the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority to award scholarship grants to students wishing to attend nonpublic schools. The state requires the Authority to make applications available to the public on February 1 and to begin awarding the scholarships to eligible students on March 15.
Students who choose to attend nonpublic schools can receive up to $4,200 per year. The application process for the 2017-18 academic year has closed.
The NCSEAA serves as administrator of the program. The group verifies the eligibility of students, ensures schools meet all requirements, mange the application process and disburse the money.
To be eligible for the program, students must be at least 5 years old, live in an eligible household, have not graduated from high school, is a resident of North Carolina and has not attended college. Families must also meet income eligibility requirements.
According to data provided by the Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina there were significant increases in the program statewide for the 2017-18 academic year. They are:
*A combined 8,353 new scholarships and renewal scholarships accepted.
*90% renewal rate of scholarships from 2016-2017; a 10% increase from a year ago.
*10,580 new applicants from 97 of the 100 North Carolina counties.
*459 registered private schools statewide for the Opportunity Scholarship Program.
*3,107 applicants remain on the waitlist.
To learn more go to www.ncseaa.edu or call 1-855-330-3955.
About Author
