CHEYENNE (WNE) — In anticipation of the Jan. 1 launch of the Wyoming Education Savings Account, the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) has established an information hub for residents to begin planning for the application process. The Wyoming Education Savings Account (ESA) Act was signed into law on March 21.

“We are working hard to stand up this exciting new school choice program for Wyoming families,” State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder said in a news release. “That includes constant collaboration with national experts who have implemented ESA programs across the country, thus ensuring the process results in a user-friendly system that maximizes participation.”

During the 2024 legislative session, $20 million was appropriated from the general fund to establish the ESA program. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, $6,000 scholarships will be available each year to eligible Wyoming students in pre-K through grade 12. Families with a household income below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines will qualify.

The funds will be deposited into an account, which families can use for approved education expenses, such as private school fees, tutoring, curriculum, home education and more.

WDE is developing a certification process to approve pre-K and non-public primary and secondary schools per the law. A list of certified education service providers will be published on the ESA program website when available.