Empowering Utah’s Students with Disabilities

The Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship

In Utah, the pursuit of equitable education for students with disabilities has been significantly advanced through the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS). This program offers financial assistance to eligible families, enabling them to select educational settings that best meet their children’s unique needs. Administered by the Children First Education Fund (CFEF), the CSOS stands as a testament to Utah’s commitment to educational choice and inclusivity.

Historical Context and Evolution

The journey of the CSOS began in 2005 with the establishment of the Carson Smith Scholarship, a state-funded initiative designed to provide tuition assistance to students with disabilities attending private schools. Recognizing the evolving needs of these students, the Utah legislature introduced the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship in 2021, a program that offered tax-credit scholarships to further support this demographic. In 2024, a significant legislative move merged these two programs, culminating in the creation of the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship. This merger aimed to streamline resources and expand the scope of support for students with disabilities across the state.

Administration and Oversight

The CSOS is administered by the Children First Education Fund (CFEF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing school choice options for children with disabilities. CFEF’s role encompasses managing scholarship applications, disbursing funds, and collaborating with partner schools and service providers to ensure a comprehensive support system for scholarship recipients. The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) maintains oversight of the program, ensuring compliance with state regulations and facilitating coordination between public and private educational entities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CSOS, students must meet specific criteria:

1. Residency: The student’s custodial parent or legal guardian must reside within the state of Utah.
2. Age and Grade Level: Students must be eligible to participate in public school, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade (ages 5–21).
3. Disability Status: Eligibility requires that the student qualifies for special education and related services as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This determination is made collaboratively by Local Education Agencies (LEAs), multidisciplinary teams, and the chosen private school.

It’s important to note that students cannot concurrently receive funds from multiple state scholarship programs. Enrollment in more than one program may result in the loss of eligibility.

Application Process

The application process for the CSOS is designed to be accessible and straightforward:

1. Application Period: For the 2025–2026 academic year, applications opened on February 3, 2025. Timely submission is crucial, as scholarships are awarded based on the approval date of the application.
2. Required Documentation: Applicants must provide documents to verify the eligibility criteria listed above.
3. Submission: Applications are submitted through the CFEF’s online portal, accessible via their official website. The portal guides applicants through each step, ensuring all necessary information is provided.
4. Review and Approval: Upon submission, applications are reviewed by CFEF to verify eligibility. Families are notified of the approval status and, if approved, the scholarship amount awarded.

Scholarship Funding and Utilization

The CSOS provides financial assistance that can be applied toward:

• Tuition and Fees: Costs associated with attending an eligible private school.
• Educational Services: Payments to approved providers for specialized services that address the student’s unique learning needs.
• Homeschooling Expenses: Eligible costs incurred in the homeschooling of students with disabilities.

Scholarship amounts are determined based on family size, income, and the student’s specific needs. This approach ensures that assistance is tailored to each family’s circumstances, promoting equitable access to quality education.

Transition from Legacy Programs

Students previously enrolled in the original Carson Smith Scholarship have the option to transition to the new CSOS. These legacy students are automatically approved for the 2025–2026 school year, provided they meet ongoing eligibility requirements and adhere to application deadlines. Alternatively, they may choose to remain in the legacy program, which continues to be administered by the USBE but is closed to new applicants.

Partner Schools and Service Providers

CFEF collaborates with a network of partner schools and service providers committed to supporting students with disabilities. These partnerships ensure that families have access to a diverse array of educational environments and specialized services tailored to their children’s needs. Partner schools benefit from increased enrollment and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students with disabilities.

Funding Sources and Tax Credits

The CSOS is financed through a combination of state appropriations and private donations. Notably, contributions to the program are eligible for a 100% Utah state income tax credit, incentivizing individuals and businesses to support educational choice for students with disabilities. This funding model fosters community involvement and ensures the sustainability of the scholarship program.

Visit cfe-fund.org to learn more and take action today!