STATEHOUSE (Aug. 7, 2024) – State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.
Culp 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.
"Children with disabilities can have complex mental and physical needs, which can make it difficult to find a school, program or therapy that works," Culp said. "ESAs help families personalize their child's academic experience to what's best for their needs."
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.
According to Pressel, scholarship funds are not considered income and do not impact any other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.
"Education Scholarship Accounts are a great solution for families who have students with disabilities," Pressel said. "Parents can get help paying for tutoring, therapies and supplemental materials with this program, providing parents the ability to do what is best for their child."
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.
-30-
State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
