Step Up for Students: Florida Scholarships for PreK-12

Finding the right educational path for your child can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially with so many options available. For Florida families, the Step Up for Students program offers valuable support by providing scholarships that open the door to private school, online schools, therapy services, and more. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the different scholarship options, who qualifies, when and how to apply, and how to make the most of your funding. 

What Are Step Up for Student Scholarships?

Step Up for Students is a state-approved nonprofit organization in Florida that helps families access educational opportunities through a variety of scholarship programs. These scholarships are designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they receive the learning environment and resources best suited to their individual needs. 

Whether your child is looking for a better fit academically, needs specialized support, or is pursuing a non-traditional learning path, Step Up for Students may have a scholarship to help.

Here are the main scholarship options currently available.

• FTC and FES-EO: the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and  Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options are accessible to eligible K–12 students, helping them attend private schools or assist with transportation to out-of-district public schools. Average funding is around $8,000.
• FES-UA: the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities provides about $10,000 for students aged 3–22 with qualifying diagnoses to use toward private school, therapy, or homeschooling costs.
• PEP:  the Personalized Education Program offers approximately $8,000 for K–12 students not enrolled full-time in public or private schools to use for schooling resources, tutoring, and more.
• Hope Scholarship: this scholarship is for students who have experienced bullying or violence in public school settings.
• New Worlds Scholarship: helps K–5 public school students who are struggling with reading or math.
  

All scholarships use an Education Savings Account (ESA) model, allowing parents to manage and spend funds flexibly and securely.

Who Qualifies for a Step Up Scholarship in Florida?

Eligibility for Step Up for Students scholarships varies by program, offering options for a wide range of families and educational needs. Below is a breakdown of who qualifies.

• FTC and FES-EO: available to Florida students in grades K–12 who cannot afford private school fees. There are no income limits, but priority is given to families earning at or below 185% of the federal poverty level and children in foster care.
• FES-UA: designed for students aged 3 to 22 with qualifying diagnoses such as autism, cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome.
• PEP: for students in grades K–12 who are not enrolled full-time in a public or private school. Students must be at least 5 years old by September 1 of the school year. There are no income requirements.
• Hope Scholarship: for K–12 students with a documented incident of bullying, harassment, or violence in a public school.
• New Worlds Scholarship: supports K–5 public school students who are struggling in reading or math.
  

Active-duty military families who maintain Florida residency may also apply for FES-UA or PEP.

When to Apply for Step Up for Students in Florida?

Applications for Step Up for Students scholarships typically open in the early part of the year. While exact dates can vary, families are encouraged to check the Step Up for Students website regularly for the most up-to-date information.

If you are applying for the Personalized Education Program (PEP), timing is especially important. To receive full funding, applications must be submitted by August 31. If you apply later, such as before November, you may still qualify, but the award amount will be reduced. For example, students applying in the fall might receive 75 percent of the full scholarship amount.

Because application windows can vary and fill quickly, it is a good idea to stay informed. You can sign up for email alerts and updates directly on the Step Up for Students website to make sure you do not miss important deadlines or changes in eligibility.

Does Florida Give Money to Online Schoolers?

Yes, Florida does provide scholarship funding that can support students attending online schools.

Specifically, the Personalized Education Program (PEP) under the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship allows K–12 students who are not enrolled full-time in public or private schools to receive funding via an Education Savings Account (ESA). Families can use these funds for expenses like curriculum, online educational programs, tutoring, and instructional materials.

PEP is open to all eligible Florida students regardless of income, provided they are at least five years old by September 1 of the school year.

In addition, the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES‑EO) and Florida Tax Credit Scholarship also convert to ESA-style funding and can be used at approved online private schools that accept Step Up scholarships.

So yes, parents who choose online education can access Step Up scholarship funds to support those options.

Tips to Navigate the Step Up Application Process

Applying for a Step Up for Students scholarship can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right steps, the process is manageable and rewarding. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through the application process.

• Create an account: navigate to the Step Up website and gather your documents. Be prepared with items like proof of Florida residency, income documentation (if needed), or medical diagnoses for the FES-UA scholarship.
• Apply early: some scholarships, such as the Personalized Education Program (PEP), are time-sensitive. Applying early increases your chances of receiving full funding.
• Use the MyScholarShop portal: once approved, you can use this secure online platform to purchase pre-approved educational resources, curriculum, and materials.
• Reach out for help: if you have questions, contact Step Up support at 1-877-735-7837 or info@sufs.org. Their team is there to assist you.
• Watch for scams: Step Up will never ask for your banking information over the phone, text, or email. Stay alert and protect your personal information.

Using Scholarship Funds Effectively

Using your Step Up scholarship funds effectively starts with understanding what they can cover. Depending on the scholarship, funds may be used for private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, specialized therapies, tutoring, and even approved online programs in Florida. These expenses must align with your child’s educational plan and meet Step Up for Students guidelines.

To make the most of your Education Savings Account (ESA), consider creating a clear budget. Start by prioritizing essential costs such as curriculum and academic support. Once those are covered, you can allocate funds for enrichment activities like field trips, extracurriculars, or educational tools that match your child’s learning style.

One of the biggest advantages of ESAs is flexibility. You can tailor your child’s education to meet their strengths, interests, and learning needs, all while staying in control of your budget.

To learn how Score Academy Online can help you use your scholarship funding wisely, get in touch with us today.