Indy Standard

State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) are urging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

Culp stated that the program offers monetary scholarships to students with disabilities, which can be used for educational resources tailored to their learning needs. The funds can cover pre-approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees at private schools, curricular materials, and other education-related expenses.

"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 aged 5 to 22 who reside in Indiana, require special education services, and meet certain financial requirements.

Pressel noted that scholarship funds are not considered income and do not affect other financial aid such as 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 include siblings of students with 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; those requiring special education services support can receive up to $20,000.

Applications for eligible students are available until Sept. 1. For more information on providers and qualified schools or to apply, visit in.gov/tos/inesa.

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State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,

which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.

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