How to Apply for the Wyoming ESA Program

This article is intended for Wyoming parents interested in applying for the Wyoming ESA Program 

If your student meets the eligibility criteria, a parent may apply for a Wyoming ESA on their child’s behalf. The application process is designed to be as straightforward as possible, with resources available to help you along the way. 

Application & Timeline

A parent of eligible students must submit a Universal Family Application online at edu.wyoming.gov/parents/education-savings-accounts beginning May 15th.  

Prepare Documentation

Before logging in to start an application, you want to gather the required documents, including proof of student status (age), guardianship if other than parent(s) listed on the birth certificate, Wyoming residency, and income verification. These documents are essential to demonstrate eligibility and ensure the smooth processing of your application. Specifically, you will need:

• Student Status: Birth certificate, social security card, or passport.
• Proof of Residency: Two Wyoming utility bills, Wyoming vehicle registration, proof of home ownership, or lease agreement.
• *Income Verification: Tax returns or proof of public assistance to verify income eligibility (if applicable).

Having these documents ready in advance will help you complete the application accurately and avoid delays. If you are unsure about any documentation, contact the WDE for guidance.

*Please note that the income verification process only applies to PreK applicants.

Enrollment & Withdrawal

Upon acceptance into the ESA program and prior to distribution of funds, parents must formally withdraw the student from any public school they are currently attending and provide the school with notice of intent to participate in the ESA program beginning on the date that the parent begins using ESA funds. This ensures that ESA funds are not provided for students who are counted for public school funding. The parent shall notify the public school district in writing no later than fifteen (15) days after the effective date of a signed and approved ESA Parent Contract  Proof of withdrawal from public school must include:

• A formal withdrawal letter from the public school due to acceptance in the Wyoming ESA program.
• The parent is responsible for notifying the local school district that the child is participating in the ESA program. The acceptance email from the Wyoming ESA program may serve as notification to the local school district. 

Application Approval

Eligibility is determined based on the submission of a completed application, including all required documentation. The WDE will review applications to verify eligibility, and parents must submit the following:

• Completed ESA application form.
• Proof of residency, student status, and income verification as applicable.
• Signed parental contract acknowledging the rules and responsibilities of the ESA program.
• Any additional information requested by the WDE after application submission to confirm eligibility.

The WDE is committed to working with families to confirm their eligibility and assist with the application process. If you need help gathering the necessary documentation or have questions about your eligibility, resources are available to support you throughout the process.

Sign the Parental Contract

As part of the application, you will need to sign a parental contract that outlines your responsibilities under the ESA program. This includes agreeing to only use ESA funds for qualified expenses and complying with all program rules. This contract only becomes effective if your application is approved and your student is admitted into the ESA program. 

Submit the Application

Once your application is complete, submit it online as instructed. If you are unable to complete the application online, contact the WDE for assistance on alternative submission options.

Award Prioritization

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis from the time that a student is verified as eligible. In subsequent years, funds will be prioritized to students who received ESA funding the previous school year and then dispensed on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available. 

Receive Notification 

After submitting your application, the WDE will review your submission. You will receive a notification regarding your application status:

• Approval: If your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to activate your ESA account and access funds.
• Denial: If your application is denied, the notification will explain the reason for denial and provide steps for rectifying the issue or appealing the decision. Possible reasons for denial include but are not limited to:
  • Ineligibility due to residency
  • Ineligibility due to income
  • Ineligibility due to student status