Education Savings Accounts: A STEAM Homeschool-Friendly Guide

By Sarah Abboud

At STEAM NHS, we know that learning isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that’s especially true for homeschool families. Whether your learner is curious about marine biology, passionate about robotics, or exploring creative writing, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) can help you build a learning experience that’s as unique as they are.

ESAs are state-funded programs that give families the flexibility to choose educational services, tools, and experiences that best support their child’s growth. From curriculum and tutoring to hands-on science kits and enrichment programs, ESA funds can open doors to meaningful learning—without stretching your budget.

What Learning Formats Can ESA Funds Support?

ESA funds offer versatile learning options, adaptable to family needs, depending on state guidelines and approved providers.

• Research & Critical Thinking Programming: ESA funds can support students to learn how to design experiments, analyze data, and present findings—skills often underrepresented in homeschool curricula.
  • See DRIPBL Research Incubator Course (RIC) YR 1 & 2 &  Innovation Tinkering Incubator
• Access to Enrichment Programs: ESA funds can support participation in research bootcamps, coding workshops, and STEAM seminars that go beyond standard curricula.
  • See Camps, Workshops, & Seminars
• College & Career Readiness: ESA funds can support services that help students gain experience in leadership, service, and research—key components for competitive college applications and future internships. Membership in national and science clubs provide great avenues for preparation.
  • Check out our helpful blogs and seminars
  • Student Insight Mentoring
• Portfolio Building: ESA funds can be used to fund projects and activities that can lead to publications and awards earned through STEAMNHS can be showcased in college applications and scholarship essays.
  • See Future Scholars Journal – a great place to publish!
  • Opportunities to lead initiatives, volunteer, and contribute to community projects.

ESA funds can also be used to support activities, such as:

• Membership in national clubs like STEAMNHS
• Charter or microschools that align with your learner’s style or schedule.
• Tuition at specialized schools, including those serving neurodivergent students .
• Outdoor and experiential learning, such as nature programs, field trips, and educational travel.
• Hands-on learning supplies like science lab kits, robotics gear, and art materials.
• Remote learning programming with home-based instruction.
• Learning pods or co-op classes led by certified instructors or experienced parents.
• Therapeutic services such as occupational, behavioral, or speech therapy.
• Educational apps, software, and curriculum subscriptions from approved vendors.

Combine and adapt these methods throughout the year to establish a unique learning routine, whether you’re homeschooling full-time or enhancing after-school education.

Which States Offer ESA Programs—and How to Apply

By 2024, 17 states had implemented 20 distinct Education Savings Account (ESA) programs. These initiatives, while differing in eligibility criteria, funding levels, and permissible expenditures, all strive to empower families with greater autonomy in their children’s educational journeys. Some states offer multiple ESA types to cater to diverse student demographics.

Here’s a list of states currently offering ESA programs:

• Alabama – CHOOSE Act (Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education)
• Arizona – Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
• Arkansas – Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program
• Florida –
  • Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options
  • Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities
• Georgia – Promise Scholarship Act
• Indiana – Education Scholarship Account Program
• Iowa – Education Savings Account Program
• Louisiana – LA GATOR Scholarship Program (Giving All True Opportunity to Rise)
• Mississippi – Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs
• Montana – Special Needs Equal Opportunity ESA Program
• New Hampshire – Education Freedom Account Program
• North Carolina – Education Student Accounts (ESA+)
• South Carolina – Education Scholarship Trust Fund
• Tennessee –
  • Education Savings Account Program
  • Individualized Education Account Program
  • Education Freedom Scholarship Act
• Utah – Utah Fits All Scholarship Program
• West Virginia – Hope Scholarship Program
• Wyoming – ESA Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act

How to Apply: Each state has its own application process, but most require:

• Proof of residency
• Documentation of student eligibility (e.g., age, disability status, prior school enrollment)
• Agreement to use funds for approved educational purposes

Funds may be distributed through:

• Digital wallets (e.g., ClassWallet, Odyssey)
• Direct reimbursements
• Prepaid debit cards

For precise and current details, refer to your state’s Department of Education website or national resources such as EdChoice’s ESA overview.

For example, different state initiatives have different awarding and expiration cycles. Some states let you roll over ESA funds each year, while others might have deadlines for spending the money or require you to give back anything you don’t use. Always check your state’s rules to plan properly.

Using ESA Funds Should Be Like a Build Your Own Adventure

Whether you’re homeschooling full-time or supplementing traditional schooling, ESA funds can help you create a personalized learning journey that reflects your child’s passions and your family’s values.

Tips for planning your ESA spending:

• Begin National Club Memberships to support your learner
• Begin with what truly excites your learner—their Dream.
• Blend core academics with enrichment and seasonal programs.
• Prioritize essential services like therapy or adaptive tools.
• Join homeschool co-ops or learning pods to share resources.
• Use public offerings like museum memberships or library programs.
• Leverage learner problem-based learning projects by participating in regional, national, & international internships and competitions.
• Invest in reusable tools and learned skills that grow with your learner.

When Volunteer Work Can Be ESA-Eligible

Volunteer activities may be supported by ESA funds if they are embedded within an approved educational program that:

●      Is offered by a qualified provider or vendor

●      Includes instruction in core subjects (e.g., science, social studies)

●      Contributes to leadership, service learning, or career readiness

●      Is documented and reported as part of the student’s educational plan

●      learning objectives, mentorship, and reflection components – i.e. Service Learning Components

For example, if a student participates in a STEAMNHS-led community service project that includes mentorship, research, or civic engagement, and is part of a broader educational initiative, ESA funds may be used to cover:

●      Registration or participation fees

●      Supplies needed for the project

●      Instructional support or coaching tied to the volunteer work

When Volunteer Work Is Not ESA-Eligible

ESA funds cannot be used for:

●      General volunteer hours not tied to an educational program

●      Donations to nonprofits or community organizations

●      Transportation or meals for volunteer events

●      Activities at public schools the student is currently enrolled in

 

Empowering At-Home Learners Through STEAMNHS

At steamnhs.org, students are supported from dream to action through ESA-eligible programs that foster creativity, leadership, and academic excellence. Whether your learner is passionate about STEAM, the humanities, or interdisciplinary innovation, our offerings are designed to help them thrive.

All STEAMNHS club fees and programs are ESA-eligible, making it easy for families to invest in meaningful, future-focused learning.

Ideal for Homeschool Learners Who Want to:

• Explore project-based learning in STEAM and Humanities
• Prepare for high-stakes competitions like ISEF, STS, JSHS, and NIC
• Build skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and communication
• Work with mentors and researchers in a flexible, supportive environment

What Students Can Do with STEAM NHS

Students in STEAMNHS can engage in meaningful, future-focused learning experiences that build academic portfolios and leadership skills. They can publish original research through the Future Scholars Journal, intern with the journal and blog team, and prepare TEDxYouth talks to share their ideas with a global audience. Students are encouraged to complete 20 hours of monthly volunteering, which can include writing blogs, contributing to the DRIPBL Podcast, or leading community-based projects. ESA funds support participation in STEAM NHS camps, workshops, and personalized mentoring sessions.

Highlights:

• Research publication & internships
• TEDxYouth speaking opportunities
• Volunteer work through podcasts & blogs
• ESA-eligible camps, seminars, and mentoring

Families using ESA funds can apply those funds toward supporting their learner’s STEAM journey from exploration to innovation.

STEAM NHS has many free opportunities for homeschool students as well:

• Internships for students grade 9-12, undergraduates welcome too!
• Future Scholars Journal: a youth peer-reviewed research journal

Signal Boosted, Youth Unmuted Podcast: We collaborate regularly with DRIPBL and they will work with you to write, produce, record, and get your podcast idea out there. You can apply for a podcast here.