Governor Gianforte Reminds Eligible Montana Families To Apply For Education Savings Account

Governor Gianforte Reminds Eligible Montana Families To Apply For Education Savings Account

Highlights December 1 deadline

• November 12 2024

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today reminded eligible Montana families to apply for an Education Savings Account (ESA) for students with special needs.

"Each child is unique and deserves access to the best education possible to meet his or her individual needs," Gov. Gianforte said. "This is especially true for the more than 18,000 students in Montana who require specialized education services. I encourage eligible Montana families interested in securing an account to apply today."

Gov. Gianforte reading to kindergartners at Smith Elementary School in Helena

In 2023, the governor signed a number of bills to support his pro-student, pro-parent, pro-teacher education agenda which included increasing educational opportunities for Montana students.

Included in the package of bills was the Students with Special Needs Equal Opportunity Act. Sponsored by House Majority Leader Sue Vinton, R-Billings, House Bill 393 authorizes ESAs for students with special needs, empowering parents to pursue the education that best meets the needs of their child.

Recently, the Office of Public Instruction opened the second application window for the ESA program for new families to apply by December 1 to secure the accounts in January 2025. To qualify, students must be identified as having special needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Eligible parents and guardians can apply here.