Afterschool Child Enrichment Savings Program

Ohio offers an Afterschool Child Enrichment Savings program which provides qualifying families with a $500 credit. The credit can be used to pay for a variety of enrichment activities, deemed to accelerate learning for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds can be used for:

Before- or after-school educational programs;

​Day camps, including camps for academics, music and arts;

Fees for learning extension centers;

The purchase of curriculum and material for home-school families;

Educational, learning or study skills services;

Field trips to historical landmarks, museums, science centers and theaters – including admission, exhibit and program fees;

Language classes;

Musical instrument lessons; and/or

Tutoring.

If your child is eligible, the funds are placed in a special account and paid directly to the eligible service providers you select. You can view a list of eligible service providers on the Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment Education Marketplace website.

Which Students Qualify?

The program is available to any student between the ages of 6 and 18 years old whose family income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Qualifying students must be attending an Ohio public or nonpublic school, or have been excused from Ohio’s compulsory attendance law for the purpose of home instruction.

How Parents and Guardians can Apply:

There is an applicant user manual available that walks parents and guardians through the process of applying for the funds. The application can be completed on the Ohio Department of Education website.

You can find more resources related to financial assistance and child development by selecting “financial resources” and/or “child development” category tab on our “Social Service Utilization Library” page.