What Is Step Up For Students? Your Ultimate Guide To Florida's K

🔎 At a Glance: Step Up For Students

What It Is: A state-approved nonprofit organization that administers K–12 scholarship programs.
Location: Florida, USA — this program only serves families residing in Florida.
Mission: To provide educational opportunities by offering scholarships that help students access private schooling, therapies, and customized learning.
Who It Serves: Primarily low- and middle-income families, students with disabilities, and children with unique needs.
Funding Source: State funds and corporate tax contributions.

Why Step Up For Students Exists

Step Up For Students is part of Florida’s broader “school choice” initiative. The aim is to give parents more options beyond traditional public schools, especially when those schools may not meet their child’s needs. By offering financial support through scholarships, Step Up For Students helps level the playing field for thousands of families.

🎓 Guide to the Main Scholarship Programs

1. Scholarships for Lower & Middle-Income Families

Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)

What They Cover:

Tuition and fees for private schools
Transportation costs to a public school in another district (in some cases)

Eligibility:

Florida residents with K–12 students
Must meet income guidelines (generally up to 400% of the federal poverty level)

2. Scholarships for Students with Unique Abilities/Disabilities

Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

What It Covers:

Funds are placed into an Education Savings Account (ESA)
Can be used for: private school tuition, therapies (speech, OT, behavioral), curriculum, tutoring, educational technology, and more

Eligibility:

Florida students with a diagnosed disability (autism, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, etc.)
Must provide supporting documentation from a medical professional or specialist

3. Other Specialized Programs

Hope Scholarship: For students who have experienced bullying, harassment, or violence at a public school. It allows them to transfer to another public or private school.
Personalized Education Program (PEP): A new program offering flexible education savings accounts for families who want to customize their child’s learning experience (e.g., homeschooling with professional resources).

🔧 How to Apply: Your 4-Step Guide

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Visit StepUpForStudents.org and use their built-in Eligibility Screener to see which scholarships your child may qualify for.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You will typically need:

Proof of Florida residency
Proof of income (such as a tax return)
Your child’s birth certificate
Diagnosis or IEP for FES-UA (if applicable)

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Apply through the Step Up For Students website. Select the scholarship program and complete all required fields. Applications open annually, and early application is encouraged due to funding limits.

Step 4: Await Decision & Use the Funds

Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive an award notification. If approved, you’ll receive clear instructions for how to direct funds to your chosen school or educational provider.

🔹 Step Up For Students and the School Choice Movement

Step Up For Students is a flagship example of the U.S. school choice movement. School choice is about giving parents the power to choose the best educational setting for their children using public funding. Critics argue it diverts funds from public schools, but supporters say it increases equity by empowering underserved families.

Step Up For Students balances this by maintaining transparency, strict accountability, and focusing on students who need options the most.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Step Up For Students is more than a scholarship provider — it’s a doorway to educational opportunity for thousands of Florida families. Whether you’re seeking an alternative to public school, need help paying for specialized therapy, or simply want more control over your child’s education, this program could be a game changer.

📅 Visit StepUpForStudents.org to learn more and begin the application process today.