CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 25,000 Hope Scholarship students will receive their first round of funding next week for the upcoming school year.
State Treasurer Larry Pack, who is also Chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, announced that those students have been approved for 2026-27 school year funding. According to Pack’s office, those students will get their first quarterly funds deposited into their accounts on August 13, two days ahead of schedule.
“Our Hope Scholarship team continues to set the gold standard for government by prioritizing speed, efficiency, responsiveness, and outstanding customer service,” Pack said. “Their commitment to serving West Virginia families has put us ahead of schedule, allowing us to distribute the first quarterly payments early so parents can confidently prepare for the upcoming school year.”
This year’s Hope applications have opened to more students. All West Virginia children in grades K-12 are eligible this year, including existing private school and homeschool students previously ineligible to apply. Those applications go through the state’s Education Savings Account.
“What is truly amazing is that the Hope Scholarship has become what may be the largest school district in West Virginia due to expanded eligibility,” Pack said. “As more students apply for the program, we will continue to help families access educational opportunities that best meet their child’s needs.”
Nearly 29,000 applications have been started for the upcoming school year, per Pack’s office, with more than 25,000 earning funding from 1,485 active providers. According to Pack, a little over half (more than 13,000) are returning Hope students and the rest (more than 12,000) are new students to the program.
There’s still time to receive partial Hope scholarship funding, Pack’s office emphasized. The sooner those applications get in, the more money a student is eligible for:
– Applications through September 15 receive 75% of the Hope Scholarship annual award amount.
– Applications between September 16 and November 30 receive 50% of the Hope Scholarship annual award amount.
– Applications between December 1 and February 28, 2027 receive 25% of the Hope Scholarship annual award amount.
This year’s full scholarship amount total is $5,435.62. Applications remain open online.