Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment Educational Savings Program

Banner for Ohio ACE with the program logo and a girl and an adult reading together

How Parents and Guardians can Apply

The Ohio Department of Education is accepting requests from families to determine eligibility. Merit International, Inc. will provide eligible families with their savings accounts and a marketplace to purchase allowable services and materials. Click the button below for more information. 

Button for parents and guardians
Parents and Guardians

Program Overview

The ACE Educational Savings Account program provides qualifying families with a $500 credit that can be used to pay for a variety of enrichment activities that will 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;
  • Tutoring.


Which Students Qualify?

The ACE Educational Savings Account 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 children include those who attend any Ohio public or nonpublic school or are home educated by their parents and have been excused from the compulsory attendance law for the purpose of home instruction. An eligible student can be enrolled in a public or nonpublic school or has been excused from compulsory attendance law for the purpose of home instruction.

 

Become a Qualified Education Service Provider

If an organization offers a qualifying program or service under the Ohio Revised Code, they may apply below to be listed as a Qualified Education Service Provider (QESP). An organization will be listed in the online Marketplace, where parents can search for organizations and the services provided. Click the button below for more information. 

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Service Providers

 

Ongoing Support Levels

For more information about the Ohio ACE Educational Savings Account program, please visit the Ohio ACE main website, Frequently Asked Questions or email questions to ace_savingsaccount@education.ohio.gov.

Last Modified: 3/27/2023 3:27:50 PM