Utah Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The Utah Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) Program provides scholarships for students with disabilities to attend private schools or be homeschooled in Utah. The Children First Education Fund (CFEF), a non-profit organization, administers the program.
The Children First Education Fund (CFEF) accepts scholarship applications for the CSOS program throughout the year. Scholarships will be granted for the school year timeframe from July 1 through June 30. If approved, applications received after the start of the school year (or July 1st) may be prorated to reflect the remaining time in the school year.
Why this matters to families in Utah:
Every student learns differently, and some benefit from a different environment than their assigned public school. The CSOS program gives families flexibility to find the school setting that works best for their child.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
Voucher
Each year, the Utah State Legislature determines the award amounts for the Utah Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship using a formula based on the weighted pupil unit (WPU) established in the enacted public education budget.
The program awards amounts based on family size and family income, categorizing them as either at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or above 185% of the FPL. Awards are also based upon whether a student with a disability qualifies for 180 or more minutes per day of special education in a public school.
A sibling who lives in the same household and is attending the same private school of an approved recipient may also be eligible for a sibling scholarship based on a specific formula and available funds.
To review the funding details, please visit the Scholarship Awards Amount page.
Who is eligible for this program?
Utah students who are eligible to attend public preschool to 12th grade who also have a qualifying disability as defined under the federal Individual with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) can qualify for the CSOS program. These disabilities include:
- specific learning disability (SLD)
- other health impairments
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- emotional disturbance
- speech or language impairment
- visual impairment (including blindness)
- deafness
- hearing impairment
- deaf blindness
- orthopedic impairment intellectual disability
- traumatic brain injury
- or, multiple disabilities
The disability must also be verified within the prior 36 months by one of the following documents:
- Individual Education Plan (IEP)
- Assessment Team Member Record (ATMR)
- Multidisciplinary Team Evaluation (MDT)
Families can submit an application while the student is enrolled in public school, but the student must formally unenroll from public school. The student must then either enroll in a private school or declare homeschooling before receiving the award.
The student cannot receive the legacy Carson Smith scholarship or the Utah Fits All scholarship in the same year as this scholarship.
How can families use the funds?
Families may use funds from the Utah Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship for such educational expenses as:
- tuition and fees of a qualifying school or qualifying provider
- tutoring services
- fees for after-school or summer education programs
- textbooks, curricula, or other instructional materials
- educational software and applications
- supplies or other equipment related to an eligible student’s educational needs
- computer hardware or other technological devices that are intended primarily for an eligible student’s educational needs
For a complete list of expenses eligible for reimbursement, refer to the Application Guide on the Eligible Use of Scholarship Funds page.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Utah.
- Educational Status: Utah students who are eligible to attend public preschool to 12th grade and also have a qualifying disability as defined under the federal Individual with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA).
- School Requirements: Families can use the funds at private schools that have qualified for the CSOS program or for homeschooling their children.
- Application Window: There is a year round application window. If the student qualifies for the program after the start of the school year, the program will prorate the scholarship amounts.
- Other Utah School Choice Program: The student cannot receive the legacy Carson Smith scholarship or the Utah Fits All scholarship in the same year as this scholarship.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the student meets the program requirements. For the eligibility requirements, review the CFEF site.
- Choose an Eligible School: If opting to use funds for a private school, select a private school that participates in the program and ensure your child will be accepted for enrollment using the school’s application process.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including residency, proof of income, and also your student’s IEP, AMTR or MDT for proof of disability.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the CSOS Application page of the CFEF site.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation and await confirmation from CFEF for award status.
Where can families learn more?
For other Utah School Choice Programs: Refer to our Utah State Summary.