Alabama CHOOSE Act sees over 35,000 applicants

(WTVY) - Applications for Alabama’s education savings account option, the CHOOSE Act closed Monday night.

The CHOOSE Act provides $100 million in annual ESA funding through the Alabama Department of Revenue. Eligible families can apply for educational funding to help pay for tuition, tutoring, and educational therapies.

Nearly 37,000 students applied in the almost four-month span applications were open.

A total of 22,167 applications were received for a total 36,873 students.

“The CHOOSE Act, Alabama’s education savings account program, will allow more taxpaying Alabama families the opportunity to choose a school that meets their child’s individual needs,” Governor Ivey said in a statement. “We are highly encouraged by the strong response in year one of the program.”

According to the Governor’s office, applications came from a wide range of families, 58.6% White and 41.4% Minority.

Families from all school backgrounds have applied for funding. Over 10,000 students from public schools, 15,000 from private schools, and nearly 10,000 homeschooled students applied.

Those eligible for funding will be notified in May and Alabama students can begin using their ESA funds for approved expenses starting in July.

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