Hope Scholarship: how to apply and use for tutoring
Authorized by HB 2013 (2021), launched 2022-23. Survived WV Supreme Court challenge in 2022. Nearly 15,000 students fully funded for 2025-26. Universal expansion effective 2026-27.
- Administered by
- West Virginia State Treasurer's Office
- Disbursement platform
- Student First Technologies
How to apply
- Step 1Verify eligibility
Check the current requirements on the official West Virginia state portal and confirm your child and family qualify for Hope Scholarship for this school year. Rules can change from year to year.
- Step 2Gather documents
Prepare proof of residency, birth certificate, academic records, and any program-specific documentation.
- Step 3Apply yourself and book with KOTY
The parent or guardian submits the application via the Hope Scholarship state portal. KOTY provides the provider-side documentation (invoices, service descriptions, credentials) the program may request as part of your enrollment or reimbursement.
Talk to us about Hope Scholarship
Tell us about your child's needs in West Virginia. We'll reply with next steps and the documentation the program may request.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Hope Scholarship for online tutoring?
Yes. Hope Scholarship funds cover online tutoring with certified providers. Kids on the Yard meets the program requirements and gives you the documentation you need for your application.
Does KOTY accept this program in West Virginia?
Yes. Kids on the Yard accepts all state education funding programs. We provide you with every document the program or the state may request (invoices, service descriptions, attendance records, provider credentials). The application and enrollment with the program are always submitted by the parent or guardian — talk to our educational team if you'd like more details on what documentation we provide.
When are the application deadlines?
Application window March 2 through February 28; funding tier depends on submission date. First half disbursed by August 15. Deadlines change frequently — always verify the latest dates on the official West Virginia state portal or the program's official site before submitting.
What subjects does the program cover?
Each program sets its own approved categories. KOTY rates are always priced within the Hope Scholarship allowed range.
Can I stack this program with others?
Some states allow stacking programs (e.g., ESA + additional scholarships). Stacking rules are state-specific and change over time — verify with the official portal before enrolling.
How does KOTY invoice families using Hope Scholarship?
We know state-program approval and reimbursement can be complex. That's why we issue invoices in the cycles programs accept most smoothly — monthly, every two months, or quarterly — depending on what best fits your approval window. Each invoice includes the service description, hours, tutor credential, and the information programs typically require. If your program asks for a specific format, we adapt to it so your approval doesn't get delayed.
Do KOTY tutors meet the program's qualification requirements?
Yes. On request we provide the tutor's credentials, background-check confirmation, provider-of-record information, and any other documentation the program needs to validate the provider. If your program requires a specific certification, we confirm it up front so your enrollment goes through cleanly.
What happens if my program reimbursement is delayed?
Your child's sessions continue as scheduled. We work with many families on state programs and we know reimbursements sometimes lag — that's between you and the program, not between you and KOTY. If you need extra documentation or a different invoice format to speed up review, just ask and we'll generate it.
Can my child change subjects or frequency mid-year?
Yes. We adjust subjects, frequency, and hours across the school year. Updated invoices reflect the change so program review stays clean. Approval of any change that affects the program-funded amount is always granted by the program itself, not by KOTY.