What is an Empowerment Scholarship Account?

This scholarship is a great opportunity for children who qualify.

An Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is a unique scholarship program provided by the Arizona Department of Education for qualified students. Some of the eligible expenses of this scholarship can include: Tuition and fees at a private school for kindergarten and grades one through twelve and Textbooks required by the private school. Please contact the Arizona Department of Education for additional eligible expenses.

Get Started at azed.gov/esa

Who is eligible for an ESA?

In order to be deemed a qualified student,
the student must meet the following criteria:

Is an Arizona resident; AND Is identified as one of the following:

  • A child with a disability OR A child of an active duty member of the military; OR
  • A child who is a ward of the juvenile court and is residing with perspective permanent placement foster care OR A child who is a ward of the juvenile court and who achieved permanency through adoption; AND

Attended public school full-time for the first 100 days during the prior school year; OR, Received a scholarship from a Student Tuition Organization that receives contributions to provide scholarships to students with disabilities.

Does your child qualify for an ESA?

The Arizona Department of Education will begin to accept preliminary applications to determine eligibility January 1st – May 1st each year. If a student is eligible, ESA will send an Award Letter to the parent; this letter will include the total yearly amount approved. Contact the Arizona Department of Education at 602-364-1969 or by email at esa@azed.gov with any questions.

Questions? Ask Us! (602) 942-5644