Governor Kay Ivey on Friday, April 24 introduced the Harrisons, an Alabama family using the CHOOSE Act, the governor’s education savings account program. Parents Autumn and Eric Harrison have three children: 6th grader Scarlett, 1st grader Henleigh, and Pre-K student Josie.
Scarlett and Henleigh are currently enrolled through the Act, and Josie will be supported by the program when she enters Kindergarten for the 26-27 school year. All three girls are enrolled at Southern Academy.
“Alabama parents work hard every day to provide the very best for their children, and they deserve the opportunity to choose an educational setting that fits their needs, whether that means a smaller, close-knit environment or more individualized, one-on-one attention in the classroom,” said Gov. Ivey. “I am proud to support programs that empower our families and put Alabama students first.”
Autumn and Eric prioritize a smaller setting with a family-integrated environment for their children’s education, where one-on-one attention in the classroom can help the children excel. Eric has a heating and cooling business, and Autumn is the director of the Hale County Animal Shelter. They value hard work, personal responsibility, and instilling those same principles in their children.
“We want our girls to value their education, and now, oh my gosh, we have a choice!” said the Harrisons. “We have been telling everyone and anyone we know about the CHOOSE Act, and we don’t understand how more people are not jumping at this opportunity.”
The Harrison family is one of tens of thousands of families being supported by the Act. In recent months the governor has been featuring families from across the state that have utilized the CHOOSE Act.
The 2026-2027 CHOOSE Act application period officially closed at midnight on March 31 with 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. Eligible students may begin using their CHOOSE Act funds for approved educational expenses starting July 1, 2026.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the program was open to new families with an adjusted gross income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level for the preceding tax year. For the 2027-2028 school year, the program will be open to all families, regardless of income.
