Common Questions about Education Scholarship Accounts

Education
Fast Facts · February 23, 2021

Key leaders in the South Carolina General Assembly have filed legislation that, if passed, would create “Education Scholarship Accounts” (ESAs) for South Carolina students. ESAs are online-based accounts funded with state grants that can be used to pay a wide variety of educational expenses for a student who is eligible for the grants. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about ESAs.

Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) 101

Education
Fast Facts · February 23, 2021

Across the nation, an innovation known as Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) is enjoying strong, bipartisan, legislative, parental, and taxpayer support. Why? Because with ESAs, a basic principle of fairness and freedom is achieved: state-appropriated education dollars follow the child. With that aspiration fulfilled, every child, but especially the most vulnerable, can finally receive the customized education they need to reach their full potential.

The Story of Mary McLeod Bethune, an Education Trailblazer

Education
Blog · February 12, 2021

Born in South Carolina in 1875, education pioneer Mary McLeod Bethune's understanding was limited to her life experience of being a daughter to former slaves and picking cotton with her family...until she picked up her first book and her life changed forever. Now, her legacy is inspiring the next generation in the fight to ensure that all South Carolina children—no matter what kind of house they live in or the color of their skin—have access to the education option that helps them reach their full, individual God-given potential.

SC lawmakers considering bill that would require high-stakes testing this spring

Education
Blog · January 20, 2021

PPI Senior Fellow Oran Smith appears in this news story from WSPA. COLUMBIA, SC (WSPA) — As teachers and students continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in South Carolina, many are wondering how the pandemic has impacted academic performance. Last year, South Carolina received a waiver from the federal government for standardized testing due to

South Carolina Legislature convenes Tuesday; McMaster’s state of the state address Wednesday

Education
Blog · January 11, 2021

PPI President and CEO Ellen Weaver is quoted in Center Square regarding PPI’s priorities for the 2021 legislative session. (The Center Square) – South Carolina lawmakers will return to Columbia on Tuesday to begin the 2021 legislative session, and more than 800 pieces of legislation already have been filed for the General Assembly to consider.