The Early HOPE Scholarship would provide children in military families, foster children and more children with disabilities access to the public or private school that best fits their educational needs.  Learn more below!

Bill Status Report:
SB 361 was not passed by the Senate by Legislative Day 30 and thus will not be passed this year.

The fight for school choice is not over though. It's important to stay engaged and keep up-to-date on the latest school choice and education reform news -- sign-up to receive CEG's monthly Education Reform Newsletter, Capitol Update and action alert email today!

What the bill does:
The Early HOPE Scholarship, SB 361, is currently being debated by the Georgia General Assembly and aims to expand school choice for elementary, middle and high schoolers in Georgia. It would in no way impact the HOPE Scholarship program for higher education.  Here's what the bill would do:

1. Renames the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship for elementary, middle, and high school students with special needs the "Georgia Early HOPE Scholarship"
2. Expands eligibility for a scholarship to:
   • Children with a parent currently in the military on active duty, in the Reserves, or National Guard
   • Section 504 students—section 504 disabilities substantially limit major life activity, but may not directly affect learning.  Examples include students in a wheelchair, students with a chronic illness, students with a heart condition, etc.
   • Children who are or who have been in foster care
3. Early Hope Scholarships would allow students to attend the public or participating private school of their parents’ choice.
4. To be eligible, students would need to be enrolled in a Georgia public school for one school year prior to receiving the scholarship.
5. Scholarship amounts are projected to range between $4,000 and $9,000 for military and foster kids. Those with special needs could receive more, based on the severity of their needs.