Hope Scholarship Introduces New Online Learning Option 

State Treasurer Larry Pack announced Wednesday that his office has approved an online learning platform called Outschool as a vendor on the Hope Scholarship portal.

The California-based company offers online, small-group classes on topics ranging from math and writing to self-esteem and social skills.

Eligible families can use their Hope Scholarship funds to purchase Learning Passports, which are Outschool credit bundles, through the Hope Scholarship online portal operated by Student First Technologies. These non-transferrable credits are tied to the eligible Hope student and can only be used for state-approved Outschool classes for that specific student.

Students will be able to purchase Learning Passports in the amounts of $50, $100 or $200 and each student may hold a maximum of $500 in program-funded Outschool credits at any time

Pack, who serves as chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, said in a press release that he is proud to partner with Outschool to facilitate access to high-quality educational experiences.

“This is a big deal for our Individualized Instructional Plan students, especially as we see a record number of students from the homeschool community coming into the program and we prepare to welcome thousands more once the program goes truly universal for the 2026-2027 school year.” he said. “I am proud my office is partnering with Outschool so Hope Scholarship funds can easily be utilized to access high-quality educational experiences that support a child’s individualized goals. It is crucial we continue to empower students and parents to find the right education that fits their unique needs.”

The Hope Scholarship program has faced criticism in recent years for allowing state funds that would traditionally go to public schools to be spent outside of West Virginia. 

The program received a total of $120 million in appropriations from the state legislature this year and is expected to more than double its participation over last year.