MDE Releases Scholarship Application for Parents of Students with Disabilities

The Mississippi Department of Education released the application for parents of students with disabilities who would like to participate in the state-sponsored special needs scholarship program for the 2015-2016 school year. For an application, click here.

On Thursday, the Mississippi Department of Education released the application for parents of students with disabilities who would like to participate in the state-sponsored special needs scholarship program for the 2015-2016 school year.

The program is a result of the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act, which was passed by the legislature this year. It will provide up to $6,500 for parents of students with disabilities who want to seek educational services for their children outside of the public school. It could also cover tutoring services or specialized therapy. Applications will be accepted when the law becomes effective on July 1.

According to a press release from the Mississippi Department of Education, applications will be reviewed for eligibility on a first-come-first-serve basis until 50 percent of the annual enrollment limits are reached. Remaining eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list, and a random selection process will be used to choose which students receive the remaining scholarships.

To ensure notification of application status before school starts in August, parents are encouraged to submit their applications between July 1-10. MDE will continue accepting applications until all scholarships are awarded.

Dr. Carey Wright, the state superintendent of education, said, “We want to ensure that eligible students are awarded scholarships before school starts in August so that their education is not interrupted.”

To participate in the program, the student must be a Mississippi resident. He or she must have had an active individualized program (IEP) within the last 18 months and the parent must sign an agreement to abide by the rules of participation.

For an application, click here. For more information on the special needs scholarship program, visit the Mississippi Department of Education website’s information page.

Beth Harmon is managing editor for HottyToddy.com. Email her at beth.harmon@hottytoddy.com