Unlocking opportunities with Step Up For Students

Every child deserves an education that reflects their unique strengths, interests, and learning style. In Florida, families are discovering new ways to support their learners through Step Up for Students—a trusted resource for accessing flexible, individualized learning.

With options that include scholarships for private school, specialized support, and enrichment programs, Step Up for Students helps families build education plans that grow with their learner.

What is Step Up for Students?

Step Up for Students is a Florida nonprofit that connects families with scholarship funding to support a more personalized education. The organization manages several state-approved programs that help cover costs for private school tuition, public school transfers, therapy services, learning tools, and more. It serves as a bridge between families and the learning environments where children can thrive—whether that's a traditional classroom, a different public school, or a parent-directed learning plan.

The Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) is a key part of the program, which includes the Education Options and Unique Abilities branches. Through FES, families can access funds for private school tuition or, in the case of qualifying students with disabilities, an education savings account (ESA). Depending on the scholarship type, funds may be used for approved expenses such as tutoring, curriculum, therapy services, technology, and more. Some families may also qualify for transportation stipends or support for custom learning paths.

These scholarships are designed to put educational decision-making in parents’ hands, giving them more control, flexibility, and confidence in how and where their learner learns best.

What scholarships are offered?

At Step Up For Students, every child deserves a learning experience that fits who they are—and how they learn best. That’s why they offer a variety of state-funded scholarships designed to meet your learner’s unique educational needs.

Explore your options below:

Private school scholarships (FTC & FES-EO)

Private school scholarships like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) help cover the cost of private school tuition and related expenses. These scholarships average $8,000 per student and are available to all Florida K–12 students eligible for public school, regardless of income.

• Available to all Florida K–12 public school–eligible students
• $8,000 average award for tuition, fees, and more
• 2025–26 applications are now open
• Once tuition and fees for the private school are covered, remaining funds can be used for other educational expenses, like online learning, tutoring, or educational materials.

Unique abilities (FES-UA)

If your learner has a diagnosed disability, you can customize their learning through FES-UA. You can use the funds for private school tuition, therapies, specialized services, tutoring, curriculum, and approved educational tools or programs.

• For Florida students ages 3 through 12th grade or age 22 (whichever comes first) with eligible diagnoses
• Scholarship amounts vary and are awarded based on:
  • Student’s grade level
  • County of residence
  • Level of special education services (via matrix score or diagnosis)

New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

Designed for students in VPK–5th grade who need extra help in reading or math. This ESA helps pay for tutoring, after-school programs, and learning materials to boost foundational skills.

• Available to VPK–5th grade public school students
• Can be used for tutoring, curriculum, enrichment, and more

Personalized Education Program (PEP) scholarship

If your learner isn’t enrolled in a public school or formal homeschool program, a PEP scholarship can support your parent-directed learning approach. Receive an average of $8,000 in ESA funds for educational needs that fit your family’s goals.

• Available to K–12 Florida students in parent-directed learning
• Student must be at least age 5 by September 1 of the school year for which they’re applying
• Funds can cover curriculum, tutors, classes, and more

Transportation stipend

If your K–8 student attends a public school that’s not their zoned assignment, you may be eligible for a $750 transportation stipend to help offset travel costs.

• For K–8 students attending an out-of-zone public school
• One stipend per household
• Helps cover school transportation expenses

Hope Scholarship

The Hope Scholarship helps students in Florida public schools who have been bullied, harassed, assaulted, or experienced other qualifying incidents. You can apply for an FTC or FES-EO scholarship at any point during the school year using the Hope Notification Form, without waiting for standard application windows.

• For students who reported an incident in a K–12 Florida public school
• Covers tuition and fees for a private school or transportation to another public school
• Eligibility requires a signed incident report from the school district

Who is eligible?

Each scholarship program has its own eligibility criteria, but here’s how many Florida families may qualify:

• Income: Programs like the FTC, FES-EO, and PEP are open to all income levels. However, if your household earns at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (around $90,000 for a family of four), your application may be prioritized if funding becomes limited.
• Learning needs: The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is available to students ages 3 through grade 12 (or up to age 22) with one of 23 qualifying diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down syndrome, or speech and language impairments. A formal diagnosis or IEP/504 Plan is typically required.
• School experiences: The Hope Scholarship supports K–12 students who have experienced a qualifying incident at their public school, such as bullying, threats, or harassment. Beginning with the 2024–25 school year, eligible students can apply for an FTC or FES-EO scholarship year-round using a certified Hope Notification Form from their school district.
• Reading or math support: The New Worlds Scholarship Account provides ESA funding for eligible VPK–5th–grade public school students identified by their district as needing additional support in reading or math. Funds can be used for tutoring, curriculum, and literacy-focused programs.

Thanks to expanded legislation, more Florida families than ever can access these scholarships—whether you're seeking a private school opportunity, exploring therapies for your learner’s unique learning needs, or looking for flexible support through parent-directed education.

How to apply

Getting started is easier than you think. Here’s how to get started, step by step:

1. Create an account: Visit the Step Up for Students portal, register as a new user, or log in if you’re a returning applicant. Each family must have a unique login for security and tracking.
2. Choose your scholarship: Once inside the portal, review the available scholarship programs (such as FES-EO or FES-UA). Each program will include eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and benefits.
3. Gather your documents: Commonly required documentation includes:
   • Proof of Florida residency (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill)
   • Proof of income (recent tax return, pay stubs, or assistance program verification)
   • Birth certificate or proof of age
   • Diagnosis or IEP documentation (for FES-UA applicants with special needs)
4. Complete the application: Fill out the online form carefully. Double-check all uploaded documents for clarity and completeness. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may delay processing or impact approval.
5. Submit early: Processing can take 2–4 weeks, but funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Returning families should apply by April 30 to maintain scholarship continuity.
6. Track your application: You can check your status in real time through your dashboard. Watch for email or text updates about your next steps, such as account approval or requests for additional information.
7. Use your funds: Once approved, connect your funds to eligible services and providers. This may include private schools, online platforms like Outschool, therapists, tutors, or curriculum vendors. You’ll manage your spending through an online education savings account (ESA) tied to your scholarship.

If you need help during the process, Step Up for Students provides family support via phone, email, and live chat through the portal.

How to book Outschool Classes with Step Up For Students

Florida families participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA) or the Personalized Education Program (PEP) can use their education savings account (ESA) funds to purchase eligible classes on Outschool.

There are two ways to pay for Outschool classes with your ESA:

1. Purchase Outschool Cash through the Education Marketplace Assistant (EMA). These funds can then be used to purchase live classes with pre-approved EMA educators. This eliminates the need to pay out of pocket and allows families to book classes directly with their scholarship funds.
2. Purchase self-paced asynchronous classes through MyScholarShop: Outschool’s asynchronous self-paced are listed directly in MyScholarShop, the online marketplace for FES-UA families. You can shop and pay for these classes using your ESA funds without needing reimbursement.
3. Request Reimbursement for Live Online Classes: If your learner is taking live online Outschool classes (such as small-group sessions or 1:1 tutoring), you can pay out of pocket and submit the receipt for reimbursement through your ESA platform (EMA or ClassWallet, depending on your program).

If you have questions or feedback, email support@outschool.com.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Still have questions about how Step Up for Students works? Here are quick answers to help you navigate funding, eligibility, and the application process.

How much funding can my family receive?

Most scholarships provide about $8,000 per year, while students in the FES-UA program may receive $10,000 or more, depending on their needs. Funds can be used for tuition, curriculum, therapy, and approved services.

What support is available for students with unique abilities?

The FES-UA scholarship offers an education savings account (ESA) for students with qualifying disabilities. Families can use the funds for private school, therapy, tutoring, technology, and more. Eligibility requires a formal diagnosis or IEP/504 Plan.

What are the income requirements?

FTC, FES-EO, and PEP scholarships are open to all income levels. Still, priority goes to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (around $90,000 for a family of four) if demand exceeds available funds.

Can scholarship funds be used for online learning?

Yes. Families can use funds for live online classes, tutoring, curriculum, and enrichment if the provider is approved and purchased through platforms like MyScholarShop or EMA.

When should families apply?

Applications open annually on the Step Up website. Returning families should apply by April 30 to keep priority status. Hope Scholarship applicants may apply anytime after submitting a verified Hope Notification Form.

Build your learner’s future with Step Up For Students 

Step Up for Students gives Florida families the tools to create an education that fits their learner’s needs—whether attending private school, accessing therapies, or learning from home. With flexible funding and multiple scholarship options, you can personalize your learner’s educational journey without the financial strain.

Many families use their scholarship funds to enroll in live and flexible ESA-eligible classes through Outschool, where learners explore core subjects, creative interests, and social opportunities in a supportive setting. Check your eligibility, apply, and start building the educational experience your learner deserves.