How can students use KEEP awards?

Camps 

Camps must be for subjects that are related to academic/school curriculum. Day, overnight, and online camps are allowed.

Language classes

Online or in person, offered by a licensed organization. Coding can be part of a camp, but not a language class.

Instrument and vocal lessons

This includes: 

  • The purchase of an instrument or instrument rental fees as long as the instrument is being purchased either from one of the program’s online stores or from a pre-approved QESP 
  • The purchase of sheet music or music books/materials.
  • Choir or band is approved as long as it is not through a secondary or post-secondary public or private school where the student is earning school credit for participating in the activity.

Tutoring

This service must be provided by an individual who is working for a business licensed to provide tutoring services, a licensed teacher, or a licensed online tutoring business. 
“Tutor or Tutoring Services” means tutoring provided by a registered tutoring business. Tutor means a teacher licensed in any state; an individual who holds a current, state, national, or regional credential, including state teaching, emergency, and provisional certificates; or an individual providing tutoring services for a qualified tutoring service. Tutors may include Federal Work Study students providing tutoring services in a core subject.

Curriculum materials / School supplies / Technology

Items will be limited to those purchased in an online store set up by Merit through one of these types of approved vendors. Curriculum must meet Kansas State Department of Education standards for educational materials.

  • School supply/office supply vendor.
  • Technology provider store.

*Headphones CANNOT be greater than $200. Limit 2 per student.

Classes

  • Classes can be online or in person.
  • They must be offered by a licensed organization, be related to academic/school curriculum, and have a clearly stated educational value. 
  • Classes cannot be used to earn school credits.

*All dollar amounts include tax.*

*Life skills, health, holistic development, counseling, consulting, therapy, and social emotional programs are not allowable educational activities. Childcare, including nanny services, are not allowable expenditures under KEEP.*

*Shipping addresses must match the address on your application or may be shipped to a USPS, UPS, FedEx location. (Non-standard shipping fees are not reimbursable).
*Cancellation fees and late fees are not reimbursable. All charges and expenses may be subject to further review.
Requesting additional items
There will be a form in the marketplace for requesting additional items be added to the online store. These items will be reviewed by Merit and the person submitting the request will be notified of the decision regarding adding the item.

Parents and guardians should contact help@keep.ks.gov with any questions concerning goods/services eligibility.