Finally feeling seen

Our family had a unique experience seeking an Educational Freedom Account (EFA) for not just one, but two children after the LEARNS Act passed. We have one child who qualified, having received the Succeed Scholarship. The financial support it provided to send our child to a school that was an ideal fit was a blessing. It was as if the state was saying to us, “We see you, we support you as parents, and your child matters.”

Additionally, we have a second child who, just starting school, also would have qualified for the Succeed Scholarship had it continued. When that program was replaced by LEARNS, we hoped that this child would still qualify for an EFA.

Most families applying did not have both of these cases at the same time. We had many questions, but nevertheless filled out separate, but not cumbersome, applications for each of our children. The applications were both linked under our family’s account, but specific to each of our children’s needs and qualifications to apply. Thankfully, both were accepted.

Being able to contribute funds from our tax dollars directly to support our family’s school gives us a tremendous feeling of parental empowerment and pride. We are so thankful for the LEARNS Act creating the EFA opportunity for children in Arkansas.

As an encouragement to any family who is considering the EFA program, we have found that this program exists to empower parents to make the best scholastic choice for their children and give students their best chance at success. Funds received through the EFAs go directly to relieving the financial costs associated with schooling and open up greater avenues of educational choice for families.

MARY CATHERINE PAULUS

Little Rock