Wyoming expands education savings account eligibility to all students

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has signed a bill that expands the state's education savings account (ESA) program, initially established last year. This move makes Wyoming the 16th state to offer universal school choice. Previously, the program was restricted to students from low-income households. With the expansion, any student in Wyoming can apply for the program, which will begin in the 2025-2026 school year. Participating families will be eligible for $7,000 annually to cover various educational expenses.

The expansion highlights the state's commitment to educational choice. Robert Enlow, EdChoice President & CEO, praised Wyoming lawmakers for their leadership, stating, "Wyoming’s lawmakers fought the hard fight and demonstrated remarkable leadership in expanding their ESA program to include all students." Enlow added, "By enacting this legislation, Wyoming is empowering parents with new and exciting opportunities for children to thrive."

Previously, only 21% of students qualified for the program. However, the new legislation includes a $30 million appropriation, which will fund scholarships for approximately 4% of students. Priority will be given to renewing students and their siblings.

Out of 83 school choice programs in the U.S., 19 are ESAs. Sixteen of these, including Wyoming's, are available to all students in the respective states.

For further information, Robert Enlow or an EdChoice scholar can be contacted through Chantal Fennell at [email protected] or 989-251-8388.

EdChoice is a nonprofit organization that promotes educational empowerment. More details can be found at edchoice.org.

Chantal Fennell, who facilitates these communications, was previously an award-winning journalist in California. She holds degrees from the University of Redlands and the University of Nebraska.