ESA Approved Vendor

Use Your Empowerment
Scholarship Here

Q: What can I use ESA funds for at the gym?

Memberships, event fees, and uniforms. If you're not sure whether something specific qualifies, just ask at the front desk and we'll walk you through it.

Q: Do I need to apply for ESA separately before enrolling?

Yes — your ESA account is set up through the Arizona Department of Education, not through us. Once it's approved, bring your account details in and we'll handle applying it toward your training here.

Q: Can ESA funds cover adult training too, or only kids?

ESA accounts are tied to the student the funds were awarded for, so they apply to that child's training. If you're training alongside your kid, your own membership is separate.

Q: How do I actually use my ESA funds once approved?

Come by or give us a call with your ESA account information. We'll walk you through applying it toward enrollment so you're not stuck figuring out the paperwork alone.

Ares East Mesa is an approved Arizona ESA vendor. Families can apply their Empowerment Scholarship Award toward memberships, events, and uniforms.

01. What It Covers

What ESA Funds Cover at Our Gym

If your child has an active Empowerment Scholarship Account, those funds can go straight toward real Jiu-Jitsu training here — not a watered-down version built around the scholarship, the same program every other student trains in.

• Memberships: Monthly training tuition for kids programs.
• Events: Seminars, promotions, and in-house competitions throughout the year.
• Uniforms: Gis and training gear as your child progresses.

Kids lining up for class at Ares East Mesa

Coach tying a child's belt at Ares East Mesa

02. How to Apply

Applying for Your ESA Account

The application goes through the Arizona Department of Education, not through us — but here's the general shape of it so you know what to expect.

1. Submit your application with proof of residence and your child's birth certificate.
2. Sign the contract the state sends once your application is processed and accepted.
3. Funds load into ClassWallet, a third-party platform that manages your account.
4. Pay approved vendors like us directly through ClassWallet, with a prepaid card, or by requesting reimbursement.

View the official application steps

03. Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ares East Mesa's role as an ESA vendor?

We're an approved vendor under Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account program, which means families can apply their ESA funds directly toward training here — no separate approval process once your account is set up.

What can I use ESA funds for at the gym?

Do I need to apply for ESA separately before enrolling?

Can ESA funds cover adult training too, or only kids?

How do I actually use my ESA funds once approved?

Have ESA questions?

Give us a call or stop by — we'll walk you through using your scholarship here in person.

(602) 935-0269

Try a Free Class

Use Your Empowerment Scholarship Here