Choosing the right education for your child isn’t always easy. Every student learns differently, and sometimes the traditional public school system doesn’t fully meet a child’s academic, emotional, or developmental needs. The Step Up Scholarship was established to provide Florida families with more flexibility, freedom, and financial support to choose the educational path that best suits their children.
This guide explains everything parents need to know about the Step Up Scholarship, including what it is, the various programs available, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to use the funds responsibly.
What Is the Step Up Scholarship?
The Step Up Scholarship is a group of Florida state-approved scholarship programs administered by Step Up For Students, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families access high-quality educational opportunities.
Rather than being a single scholarship, “Step Up” refers to multiple programs designed to support students from different backgrounds, including low-income households, students with unique abilities, and families pursuing personalized education options.
Types of Step Up Scholarships Available
Florida families may qualify for one of several Step Up Scholarship programs, depending on eligibility and educational goals.
Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship
Designed primarily for families with lower household income, this scholarship helps cover private school tuition and required fees.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)
This program expands private school access to all Florida residents while prioritizing families based on income tiers.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
FES-UA supports students with documented disabilities through an Education Savings Account (ESA), allowing families to customize education services.
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Personalized Education Program (PEP) Scholarship
PEP is designed for families choosing homeschooling, hybrid learning, or nontraditional education paths.
Who Is Eligible for the Step Up Scholarship?
Eligibility varies by program, but most scholarships require students to be Florida residents, eligible for public school enrollment, and meet age or grade-level requirements.
Some scholarships use income-based priority, while others focus on student needs or educational style.
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How the Step Up Scholarship Works
Once approved, funds are distributed either directly to a private school or into an ESA account. ESA funds are released periodically and must be used only for approved educational expenses.
Scholarship amounts vary based on grade level, county, and scholarship type.
How to Apply for the Step Up Scholarship
Families apply online through the Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal by creating an account, uploading required documents, and submitting a scholarship application. Application status is tracked entirely online.
Only one scholarship application per student may be active at a time.
Approved Uses of Scholarship Funds
Depending on the scholarship, funds may be used for private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, tutoring, educational technology, and specialized therapies. ESA users can also purchase approved items through MyScholarShop.
Common Mistakes Families Should Avoid
Common issues include missing deadlines, submitting incomplete documentation, using funds for non-approved purchases, or misunderstanding scholarship rules. Staying organized and reviewing guidelines regularly helps prevent problems.
Final Thoughts
The Step Up Scholarship programs give Florida families real educational freedom. Whether your child thrives in private school, needs specialized services, or benefits from a personalized learning approach, these scholarships help make quality education more accessible.
With the right planning and understanding, the Step Up Scholarship can support an education that truly fits your child.
