30,000 Iowa Students Approved for State-Funded Education Savings Accounts

Governor Kim Reynolds announced that over 30,000 Iowa students are approved for state-funded education savings accounts.

Education Savings Accounts Expand to Benefit Over 30,000 Iowa Students

Governor Kim Reynolds announced at The Family Leader’s summit in Des Moines that over 30,000 Iowa students have been approved for state-funded education savings accounts. This initiative established under a 2023 law allows families to use taxpayer-funded accounts to pay for private school tuition and fees. Last year, about 17,000 students benefited from similar accounts which were accessible to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level. This year, eligibility extends to families earning up to 400% of the poverty level with the state allocating approximately $180 million to support the program. Each eligible student can receive around $7,800 through these accounts.

Kollin Crompton a spokesperson for Governor Reynolds reported that the state received 35,417 applications for education savings accounts by the June 30 deadline with over 30,000 approvals granted so far. However, students must also secure admission to an accredited private school to access the funds, according to the report of Des Moines Register.

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(photo: The Gazette)

DeVos Applauds Reynolds’ Commitment to Educational Reform

Former U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos praised Governor Reynolds for her leadership in advocating school choice policies. She commended Reynolds’ determination in overcoming political hurdles to empower families with educational options.

Governor Reynolds noted that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of parental involvement in education which she believes has fueled interest in educational alternatives. She highlighted recent legislative achievements including higher teacher pay and improved literacy standards as steps toward enhancing education across public and private sectors.

Despite opposition particularly concerning changes to Iowa’s educational agencies and Reynolds remains committed to expanding educational choices. She aims to implement broader eligibility for the education savings account program next year positioning it as a cornerstone of her administration’s educational policy agenda.

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