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Florida Step Up for Students: 5 Key Facts Parents Must Know
The Florida Step Up for Students Program is a scholarship initiative helping families in Florida access educational opportunities, including private schooling, homeschooling, and specialized services. Here’s what you need to know:
- Who Can Apply: Scholarships are open to all Florida residents. The Universal Account covers K-12 students, while the Unique Abilities track supports children with specific diagnoses starting at age 3.
- What It Covers: Scholarships provide up to $8,000–$10,000+ per year, covering tuition, transportation, therapies, and more. Additional Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) offer $1,200 for literacy and math support.
- Application Steps: Create an account on the program’s website, gather documents like proof of residency and income, and submit early to secure funding.
- Real-Life Impact: Over 1 million scholarships funded, with 98.9% of donations going directly to families.
- Extra Features: Tools like MyScholarShop simplify purchasing educational materials, and partnerships with service providers offer therapy and tutoring options.
This program removes financial barriers, giving families the freedom to choose the best educational path for their children.
Enrolling Students in EMA for Schools 2025-2026
1. What the Florida Step Up for Students Program Does
The Florida Step Up for Students Program is a nonprofit organization that’s been transforming educational opportunities for families across the state for more than 20 years. By removing financial hurdles, it opens doors to a variety of learning paths, including private schooling, homeschooling, specialized therapies, and even transportation to public schools outside a family’s district. Let’s take a closer look at how this program helps families overcome financial barriers and access quality education.
Over the years, the program has funded more than 1 million scholarships for Florida students. What’s even more impressive? A whopping 98.9% of the funds it receives go directly to scholarships, not administrative costs. This means almost every dollar donated is used to support the families who need it most.
The program covers a wide range of educational expenses, including tuition, transportation, instructional materials, and specialized services. These scholarships are tailored to meet the specific needs of each family, ensuring that students receive the resources they require to thrive.
The impact of these scholarships is life-changing. Take Yonas, for example. In August 2025, he graduated as the top-ranked student in his high school class and is now attending the University of Florida. He attributes much of his success to the private school scholarship he received through Step Up for Students. Then there’s Valentina, a student with unique abilities, who made incredible progress thanks to the Gardiner Scholarship. Her mother, Elizalde, shared how the program played a pivotal role in her daughter’s development.
At its core, the Florida Step Up for Students Program serves as a lifeline, connecting families’ educational dreams with the financial support they need. It ensures that a child’s potential isn’t held back by their family’s financial situation.
2. Scholarship Options and Who Can Apply
The Florida Step Up for Students program provides two scholarship options, both free from income restrictions.
The Florida Empowerment Scholarship Universal Account is open to any child living in Florida who is at least 5 years old by September 1 of the enrollment year. This option covers students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and the application process doesn’t involve complicated paperwork.
The Unique Abilities track is designed for students with specific diagnoses. It’s available for children starting at age 3 and continues through grade 12 or up to age 22. Just like the Universal Account, this track does not consider household income.
For both scholarships, the only requirement is Florida residency. Up next, we’ll break down the steps to apply for these programs.
3. How to Apply: Application Steps
Submitting your application for a scholarship is a manageable process, as long as you stay organized. It all begins with creating an online account on the Florida Step Up For Students website. This account will serve as your go-to place for managing everything related to your scholarship application.
Before diving into the application forms, make sure you’ve gathered all the necessary documents. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of your child’s age: Typically, this is a birth certificate.
- Residency documentation: Examples include a driver’s license, passport, health insurance cards, Medicaid paperwork, utility bills, court custody records, or a lease agreement listing all household members.
- Income verification: Collect 30 consecutive days of paycheck stubs close to your application date, along with your most recent tax documents. Include any other income sources such as unemployment benefits, social security payments, or child support. Military families should also have their Leave and Earning Statements (LES) ready. If you’re applying before relocating to Florida, you’ll need permanent change of station orders.
If you’re applying under the Unique Abilities track, additional documentation is required. This includes proof of your child’s diagnosis, age verification, residency proof, and any relevant Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan details.
Timing matters. For the 2025-26 school year, families renewing their scholarships had until April 30 to submit their applications for both the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities and Private School Scholarships. Missing this deadline meant the application would be treated as new rather than a renewal.
To help applicants, the website provides a scholarship application checklist and tailored resources for military families. Once you’ve got everything in order, submit your application promptly. Early submission not only helps secure funding but also gives you time to address any issues that may come up with your paperwork.
4. What Families Get from the Program
The Florida Step Up for Students Program provides more than just tuition assistance – it delivers a comprehensive financial package to support each child’s educational needs. Most scholarships offer around $8,000 per year, while students in the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) may qualify for $10,000 or more, depending on their specific requirements.
One standout feature of the program is the inclusion of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). For the 2024–25 school year, New Worlds Scholarship Accounts will offer ESAs valued at $1,200 each, specifically aimed at enhancing literacy and math for VPK and K-5 public school students. These accounts go beyond tuition, providing families with funds for a variety of educational needs.
What the Scholarships Cover
The program is designed to address a wide range of educational expenses. Scholarship funds can be used for:
- Therapy services
- Tutoring
- Instructional materials and curriculum
- Transportation costs
For students with unique abilities, the FES-UA scholarship extends its reach to cover specialized services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, dietary consultations, and counseling.
Simplifying the Process with MyScholarShop
To make things easier for families, the program offers MyScholarShop, a platform that lets parents purchase pre-approved educational materials and curriculum directly. This eliminates the need for upfront payments or lengthy reimbursement processes. It’s a practical solution that ensures families can focus on their children’s learning without financial headaches.
Real-Life Impact
Families are already benefiting from these resources in meaningful ways. For example, in August 2025, PEP students used their scholarships to attend Sarasota’s Fab Lab, where they engaged in hands-on STEAM activities.
Additionally, the program collaborates with service providers to deliver specialized support. McKibben & Monte works with the FES-UA program to offer services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, dietary consultations, and tutoring, often directly within schools. Similarly, Firefly Tutors acts as an approved Choice Navigator and direct-pay provider, handling scholarship funds for both part-time and full-time tutoring services.
Modern Learning Platforms
The program has also embraced digital learning. Families with FES-UA or PEP scholarships can use ESA funds for Outschool classes, whether through live sessions, self-paced courses, or direct purchases via MyScholarShop and the Education Marketplace Assistant.
However, for families using the New Worlds Scholarship, there’s a new policy starting in the 2024–25 school year: reimbursement requests for new purchases are no longer allowed. Instead, all funds must be spent directly through MyScholarShop or the EMA Provider Marketplace.
This combination of financial support, streamlined processes, and access to specialized services ensures that families have the tools they need to support their children’s education effectively.
5. How to Make the Most of Your Scholarship
To get the most out of your Step Up for Students scholarship, think beyond just covering tuition. This scholarship is an opportunity to invest in your child’s entire educational experience. The key to maximizing its impact? A solid plan and a practical budget.
Start by creating a budget that includes not only tuition but also other approved expenses like tutoring, school supplies, and additional learning resources. A clear plan ensures you’re allocating funds effectively to support your child’s academic journey. Once your budget is in place, keep a close eye on your spending to stay on track.
It’s also a good idea to keep detailed records of your expenses and their outcomes. This will help you make smarter decisions in the future, allowing you to adjust your approach as your child’s educational needs evolve.
Don’t forget to stay updated on program changes or new opportunities. Regularly checking for updates can help you take advantage of any new benefits or adjustments to the program.
Think long-term when planning your investments. The goal is to support your child’s lasting academic growth and success.
Scholarship Types Comparison
This section breaks down the key differences among various Step Up scholarships, helping you choose the best option for your child. Below, you’ll find details on each scholarship’s benefits and requirements, making it easier to compare and decide.
The Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) operates on a priority system. Students renewing their scholarships, families earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level, those between 185% and 400%, active-duty military families with PCS orders to Florida, and students affected by bullying incidents receive priority for this program.
For children with special needs, the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA) offers tailored support. Eligibility requires a documented diagnosis of a qualifying condition, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Specific Learning Disability, or Hearing Impairment. Unlike other programs, FES-UA does not have income restrictions.
The Personalized Education Program (PEP) Scholarship focuses on K-12 students who are not enrolled in public schools or the Florida Home Education Program. It provides a customized educational plan for each child. However, Florida law limits families to applying for only one scholarship per student at a time, except for the Transportation Stipend and New Worlds Scholarship Account. If an application is denied or withdrawn, families can reapply.
Military families should note specific considerations. Renewal students in active-duty military families who maintain legal Florida residency can continue receiving Unique Abilities or PEP scholarships, even if stationed outside Florida – provided they submit proper documentation. However, the Private School Scholarship cannot be used for private schools located out of state.
| Scholarship Type | Student Age Range | Key Requirements | Income Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | K-12 | Florida students eligible for public school enrollment; priority based on income and other factors | No strict limit; prioritized by income |
| Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Age 3 through grade 12 or age 22 | Documented diagnosis of a qualifying condition | None |
| Personalized Education Program (PEP) Scholarship | K-12 | Not enrolled in public school or Florida Home Education Program | Varies by program details |
When deciding on a scholarship, think about your child’s current educational needs, any special requirements, and your family’s long-term goals. By understanding the eligibility rules, priority systems, and timing, you can make a well-informed choice that supports your child’s educational journey.
Conclusion
The Step Up for Students Program offers tailored education options designed to meet your child’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking into private school tuition, homeschooling resources, specialized therapies, or tutoring assistance, these scholarships give you the freedom to choose the best path for your family.
It’s important to stay on top of deadlines and eligibility rules. Some scholarships prioritize families based on income, while others – like the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities – don’t have income restrictions but do require specific diagnoses. Knowing these requirements ahead of time ensures you can gather the right documents and apply as soon as the window opens.
This program isn’t just an opportunity – it’s a resource that can make a real difference in your child’s education. Take action today: set up your online account, organize necessary paperwork, and mark those application deadlines. The Step Up for Students Program is a powerful step toward helping your child thrive.
FAQs
What are some ways families can make the most of the Step Up for Students Program beyond tuition assistance?
Families participating in the Florida Step Up for Students Program can maximize its benefits by tapping into the extra support it offers. These include tutoring services, transportation stipends, and access to educational tools like learning apps and specialized materials. These resources are designed to help customize your child’s education to better suit their individual needs.
Parents can also use the program’s resources to boost their child’s academic growth with options like reading programs or subject-specific materials. By fully utilizing these additional benefits, you can provide your child with a more comprehensive educational experience that extends beyond just tuition assistance.
What’s the difference between the Private School Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities?
The Private School Scholarship provides financial support to help cover tuition and fees for students attending private schools. It’s specifically aimed at families who need assistance making private education more accessible.
On the other hand, the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES UA) is tailored for students with disabilities and offers greater flexibility. This program includes an education savings account that families can use for a variety of needs – private school tuition, therapies, homeschooling, online learning, or other specialized educational services designed to meet the child’s specific requirements.
To put it simply, the Private School Scholarship is focused on covering private school expenses, while FES UA allows families to create a more personalized educational experience for their child.
What is MyScholarShop, and how does it help families using the scholarship buy educational materials?
MyScholarShop: Simplifying Education Purchases
MyScholarShop is an online marketplace tailored to help families easily buy educational materials using their scholarship funds. It features a carefully selected range of pre-approved resources, ensuring parents can shop with peace of mind – no need to stress over eligibility concerns or waiting for approval.
This platform takes the hassle out of the process, saving families valuable time and effort. Instead of navigating multiple stores or complicated systems, parents can focus on finding the right tools to support their child’s learning. Whether it’s books, school supplies, or other educational essentials, everything is conveniently available in one place.
