What Is the Education Scholarship Trust Fund?
Every child deserves the opportunity to pursue education free from financial burdens. The Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), administered by the South Carolina Department of Education, creates that opportunity. It provides K-12 families with up to $7,500 per student, per year, empowering families to customize their child’s education—whether through tutoring, therapies, technology, or alternative school options like private or out-of-district public schools. This fund is part of a growing movement toward personalized learning and choice.The ESTF is a state-run program that issues scholarship accounts worth $7,500 per eligible student per school year (2025-2026 and beyond). Funds are delivered quarterly into a ClassWallet digital account and must be used for approved educational expenses only via that platform.
Eligible expenses include—but are not limited to:
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- Tuition and fees at independent (private) schools or for out-of-district public school attendance
- Instructional materials (e.g., textbooks, curriculum)
- Tutoring and educational therapies for students with disabilities
- Technology (e.g., laptops, tablets)
- Transportation, uniforms, and assessments/testing fees
Apply for ESTF funds here.
How can I use my ESTF funds at World Upside Down?
World Upside Down in Greenville, SC, is an approved vendor for the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF). Using your funds with us is simple:
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Email us at info@worldupsidedown.org to let us know you’ll be applying ESTF funds toward tuition.
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Tell us which program you’re funding—after-school, theater productions, classes, or summer camps.
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We’ll send you an invoice for the total tuition amount.
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Upload the invoice to ClassWallet to request payment directly to World Upside Down. Click here for instructions from ClassWallet on how to pay a vendor.
To ensure payment is processed on time, we recommend starting this process at least one month before your program begins. This way, your ESTF funds will be applied and your spot secured without delay.
When to Apply & Availability
- For the 2025-2026 school year, applications opened May 19, 2025 for all eligible families—state law requires prioritized early access for active-duty military families starting May 12
- For 2024-2025, the application window ran from January 15 through March 15, 2025
- The 2025-2026 cycle reached its 10,000-student cap, and a waitlist is now active for future awards
- Going forward, the program will scale up: up to 15,000 scholarships per year in subsequent years
Who Qualifies for the Scholarship?
Students must meet the following criteria for the 2025-2026 school year:
- Be a resident of South Carolina
- Be in K–12 (under 22 years old and not yet graduated)
- Have a household income no greater than 300% of the Federal Poverty Line or be a Medicaid recipient
- May not attend their resident public school for that school year
How to Apply for the Scholarship
Families in the upstate can apply on the South Carolina Department of Education website. If the current school year applications have been dispersed, you can get on the waitlist.
World Upside Down Programs
Tuition for these programs may be covered by the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF).
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Theater Program – Build confidence, teamwork, and performance skills while bringing stories to life on stage.
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After-School Program – A safe, creative space for students to explore music, dance, theater, and visual arts.
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Summer Camps – Fun, high-energy camps where students grow through theater, arts workshops, and community activities.
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Classes – Personalized instruction in acting, singing, dance, and visual arts for all levels.
- Private Lessons – Our talented instructors tailor each lesson to fit your student’s goals, pace, and learning style
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How ESTF Funds Are Distributed
- Once approved, families receive access to a ClassWallet digital wallet account.
- Starting in late July, the $7,500 scholarship is deposited quarterly (e.g. $1,875 each quarter)
- Parents must accept an affidavit in ClassWallet before funds become available
- All spending must be done through approved providers or the ClassWallet Marketplace. Unused funds roll over if the student continues in the program the next year
Community Impact: Why ESTF Matters in Greenville, SC
ESTF puts educational control into parent hands, enabling families to choose what works best for their child—whether it’s private school, specialized therapy, technology access, or personalized tutoring. Empowering families strengthens academic outcomes and builds a thriving community.
Conclusion
The Education Scholarship Trust Fund empowers families in Greenville, SC, to create tailored educational paths for their children with up to $7,500 per year. Use your funds to sign up for after school, theater, classes, or summer camps at World Upside Down today.
Resources
Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
Department of Education: Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
SC ESTF Program Reaches 10,000 Student Landmark
South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Participant Guide