TEFA awards more than 50,000 families funds in voucher lottery

May 4, 2026 - 22:48

Award letters are hitting mailboxes this week for families selected in the second priority category of the TEFA program. The initiative, which provides education voucher funds, has now distributed support to more than 50,000 households across the state.

Officials confirmed that the latest round targets students who were placed in the secondary eligibility tier. These families did not qualify for the initial wave of funding but remained in the lottery pool. The selection process used a randomized system to ensure fairness among applicants.

Each award covers a set amount per student, which can be applied toward tuition at participating private schools or other approved educational expenses. The program aims to give low- and middle-income families more choice in where their children attend school.

Recipients should expect formal notification by mail or through the program's online portal. Funds will be disbursed directly to the chosen schools once enrollment is verified.

The TEFA program has seen high demand since its launch, with tens of thousands of applications still pending. State education officials say they are reviewing budget allocations to determine if additional funding rounds will be possible later this year. For now, families not selected in this round remain on a waiting list for any future openings.