DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Education has announced that 18,893 Students First education savings accounts (ESAs) were approved by the Sept. 30 program close date. ESA accounts for applicants who did not meet this deadline are closed for the school year and the funds will remain in the state’s general fund.
Out of all ESA applications submitted by the June 30 application deadline, 5,927 applications were denied based on not meeting residency or household income requirements. Another 4,792 applications were closed, primarily if they were duplicates or if the applicant made the request.
585 applications received from Johnson County residents were approved.
Enrollment will be confirmed through the state’s certified enrollment process, which schools are required to report by Oct. 15. Details about ESA program participants will be available after certified school enrollment numbers are finalized in December, per the department’s standard practice.