STATEHOUSE (Aug. 7, 2024) – Porter County lawmakers encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) said the program provides monetary scholarships to students with disabilities that can be used toward educational resources to best meet their learning needs. Funds can be used for pre-approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees at private schools, curricular materials, and other expenses related to the student’s education.
"Families who have students with disabilities can face so many obstacles when it comes to their education," Olthoff said. "That is why Indiana invests in programs like ESAs to support parents and give these students more opportunities and resources to excel in their learning."
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) said scholarships are available to students between the ages of 5 and 22 who reside in Indiana, require special education services and meet certain financial requirements.
"Not all students learn in the same way, and challenges are often much greater for children with disabilities and their families," Aylesworth said. "Education Scholarship Accounts can help with the cost of supplemental materials and tutors that can keep a student on track inside and outside the classroom."
According to State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso), scholarship funds are not considered income and do not impact any other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.
"Students with disabilities deserve to have educational options that allow them to grow and thrive," Soliday said. "With ESAs, families can get help covering the cost of tutoring, therapies and other resources, which could make all the difference for their student."
During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers supported expanding ESAs to the siblings of students who have disabilities, even if those siblings do not have a disability. Students without a disability requiring special education services can receive state tuition support up to $8,000, and students who require special education services support can receive up to $20,000.
Applications for eligible students are available until Sept. 1. For more information, including a list of providers and qualified schools, and to apply, visit in.gov/tos/inesa.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4,
which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
