What is ACE?
The Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account provides funds to a student’s parent or guardian to use on various enrichment and educational activities. The program was initiated to help Ohio students regain momentum from learning loss due to COVID.
ACE provides $1000 per student per school year to use toward tutoring, music lessons, educational programs, camps, and more.
Merit International is the administrator for the ACE program on behalf of the Ohio Department of Education.
Who qualifies for ACE?
The ACE Educational Savings Account program is available to any Ohio child ages 6 to 18 years old (who hasn’t graduated from high school) who meets at least one of the conditions below.
RESIDENCY
Children residing in districts identified as having a high rate of chronic absenteeism or have one or more schools identified as EdChoice eligible qualify for an ACE Educational Savings Account. View the full list of eligible districts.
INCOME
Children who reside in a household with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at or below 400% of the federal poverty level based on the household’s most recent federal income tax return qualify for an ACE Educational Savings Account.
GOVERNMENT SOCIAL PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
Children who are part of a family that participates in programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Ohio Works First (OWF) or other government social programs with eligibility at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, qualify for an ACE Educational Savings Account.
Students whose families meet income guidelines qualify for ACE funding. Qualification is good for one year, July through June. Families will need to requalify each year for ongoing participation in the program.
| Number in Family/Household | Gross Annual Amount (400%) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $54,360 |
| 2 | $73,240 |
| 3 | $92,120 |
| 4 | $111,000 |
| 5 | $129,880 |
| 6 | $148,760 |
| 7 | $167,640 |
| 8 | $186,520 |
| For each additional person add: | $18,800 |
How does ACE work?
- Parents/Guardians submit income information through the Departments OH|ID parent portal
- Once Income Verification is complete, parents will receive an email from Merit notifying them that they may now register to receive access to the ACE funds for their students. The email will include a link to the Educational Marketplace which lists all of the current providers of ACE programs in the state.
- Families can find providers in their area using the Educational Marketplace, then register for those activities by contacting the provider directly.
Families can pay the provider and receive reimbursement from Merit OR the provider can bill Merit on behalf of the student.
Have questions on income criteria or how to apply? Visit AceOhio.org for more information.
To set up your OH|ID, visit https://safe.ode.state.oh.us/portal