Governor Ivey Introduces a CHOOSE Act Family: Meet the Washington Family

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday introduced the Washingtons, an Alabama family utilizing the CHOOSE Act, the governor’s education savings account (ESA) program. Shalice Washington is a U.S. veteran, full-time student, and importantly, a mom looking to provide the best scholastic environment for her daughter, Kimora. Kimora is in first grade and is currently attending Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, Alabama.

“Ms. Washington has served our country, is continuing her own education and is working every day to give her daughter the best possible foundation for life,” said Governor Ivey. “That kind of dedication to building a better future is something to admire, and it is what an education savings account can help make possible for families. I am proud the CHOOSE Act is helping the Washingtons make the education choices that best fit their family’s needs.”

Shalice Washington is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Health Information Management and maintains a GPA near 4.0. While balancing her own studies and motherhood, she sets an example of the value of commitment and perseverance.

Regarding the CHOOSE Act, Shalice Washington stated, “The CHOOSE Act has been so helpful to me and my family. I am very grateful to Governor Ivey for creating this opportunity. It really means a lot to us.”

Shalice and Kimora Washington enjoy making memories together, and Shalice loves seeing her daughter’s personality shine. Since enrolling at Trinity, Kimora Washington has excelled in the classroom, now performing ahead in both reading and math. Art is her favorite subject in school, and outside the classroom, she loves playing dress-up and “all things Elsa.”

To other Alabama parents, Shalice Washington advised, “If you want a better education for your children, definitely look into applying. Do your research and see what options are available because you never know what opportunities may be out there. For our family, the CHOOSE Act made it possible for my daughter to attend Trinity, a school that otherwise would not have been an option long term.”

The CHOOSE Act can help families with instructional materials and supplies, covering items like curriculum, textbooks, workbooks, educational software, computers, school supplies and even fees charged by tutors or schools.

“At Trinity, we believe every family should have the opportunity to choose an educational environment that reflects their values. The CHOOSE Act is making that possible for more Alabama families,” said Head of Trinity Presbyterian School Suzanne Satcher. “We are especially grateful for Ms. Washington and her years of service to our country, which beautifully reflects one of Trinity’s core values, service. We are honored that she has chosen Trinity and grateful for the opportunity to partner with her in providing Kimora an education rooted in biblical truth, academic excellence and a commitment to serving God and others.”

The Washington family is one of tens of thousands being supported by the CHOOSE Act.

About the CHOOSE Act:

The CHOOSE Act website provides Alabama families with the latest information about the CHOOSE Act, including eligibility information, an online application for both renewing and new families, program FAQ, important deadlines and parent and education service provider (ESP) guides.

The 2026–27 CHOOSE Act application period closed at midnight on March 31, 2026, with a record-breaking 29,341 applications representing 48,927 students. Of these, 18,832 were new applications for 29,986 students, while 10,509 were renewal applications for 18,941 students. Families were notified of their award status in mid-April, and currently, 34,322 eligible students are using their CHOOSE Act funds for approved educational expenses. The application for the 2027-28 academic year opens on January 4, 2027, and will close at midnight on March 31, 2027.

The CHOOSE Act makes refundable income tax credits called education savings accounts available to support the success of eligible K-12 students in Alabama. An ESA can be used to pay for tuition, fees and other qualified education expenses at approved Education Service Providers (ESPs).

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the program is open to new families with an adjusted gross income (AGI) not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level for the preceding tax year. For the 2027-2028 academic year and beyond, the program is open to all families, regardless of income.

The program will prioritize students with special needs, participating students and their siblings and students who are dependents of active-duty service members enrolled in or assigned to a priority school. Remaining ESAs will be available to students based on the family’s AGI as a percentage of the federal poverty level.

For applications and more information about CHOOSE Act Alabama, visit chooseact.alabama.gov.

A photo of the Shalice and Kimora Washington is attached.

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