MYRTLE BEACH, SC – On Thursday, Americans for Prosperity—South Carolina (AFP-SC) hosted a discussion at The Forum in Surfside Beach with Senator Greg Hembree (SD-28), Representative Tim McGinnis (HD-56), and Representative Carla Schuessler (HD-61) to celebrate South Carolina’s school choice program and the families now empowered to choose the best fit for their students.
The panel, moderated by AFP-SC State Director Matt Humm, focused on the expansion of South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), which was passed earlier this legislative session. The program provides scholarships to 10,000 students whose families earn below 300% of the federal poverty level. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, eligibility will expand to 15,000 students from families earning up to 500% of the FPL, equivalent to roughly $160,000 for a family of four, covering about 85% of South Carolina households.
As Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and author of S.62, Senator Hembree played a key role in advancing the bill, from filing it to holding early hearings and guiding it through the Senate process.
AFP-SC State Director Matt Humm released the following statement:
“With students settling into the new school year, we are grateful to Senator Greg Hembree, Representative Tim McGinnis, and Representative Carla Schuessler for their work restoring the Education Scholarship Trust Fund. This program is a monumental step forward for thousands of South Carolina families. And while there is more work to do to ensure every family has the freedom to choose the best education for their child, this victory proves meaningful change is possible.”
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