Florida’s commitment to educational choice is exemplified through the Step Up For Students program, which offers various scholarships to cater to the diverse needs of its student population. These scholarships aim to provide families with the flexibility to select educational environments that best suit their children’s unique learning requirements. This article delves into the different types of Step Up Scholarships available in Florida, their application processes, current application statuses, and how these funds can be utilized.
Updated September 2026: scholarship amounts and application dates change every year. The amounts below were published for the 2025–26 school year, so check Step Up For Students for this year’s figures and deadlines.
Types of Step Up Scholarships
- Private School Scholarship
The Private School Scholarship is designed to assist K-12 Florida students eligible for public school enrollment, irrespective of household income. This scholarship provides approximately $8,000 to cover private school tuition and associated fees, granting families the freedom to choose a private educational institution that aligns with their child’s learning needs. - Unique Abilities Scholarship
Tailored for students aged 3 through grade 12 (or up to age 22) with specific diagnoses, the Unique Abilities Scholarship offers around $10,000 through an education savings account (ESA). Families can utilize these funds for various educational expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling options, therapies, tutors, curriculum materials, technology, and even contributions to a college savings account. - Personalized Education Program (PEP) Scholarship
The PEP Scholarship caters to K-12 Florida students not enrolled in public school or a Home Education Program. It provides between $6,900 and $9,500 through an ESA for those pursuing a parent-directed education. The funds can be used for private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring, instructional materials, and more, ensuring a flexible and personalized approach to learning. - New Worlds Scholarship Accounts Program
Aimed at supporting struggling VPK or K-5 public school students in enhancing their math and reading skills, this scholarship provides $1,200. The funds can be allocated towards tutoring, after-school or summer programs, instructional materials, curriculum, and other educational resources. - Transportation Stipend
For families of K-8 students attending a public school other than their assigned one, the Transportation Stipend offers $750 per household to assist with transportation costs.
How to Apply
Step Up For Students opens applications for these scholarships each year:
- Private School Scholarship
- Unique Abilities Scholarship
- Personalized Education Program (PEP) Scholarship
Families interested in these scholarships can apply directly through the Step Up For Students website. It’s important to note that applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, pending funding availability. Therefore, early application is encouraged to secure a scholarship for the upcoming school year.
To stay informed about application timelines and receive timely updates, families can visit Step Up For Students and sign up for their scholarship updates. By subscribing, you’ll receive valuable resources and notifications to help you navigate the application process effectively.
Utilizing Scholarships for Non-Campus-Based Umbrella Schools
Non-campus-based umbrella schools, such as Ascend STEM Academy, offer flexible educational models that often combine homeschooling with structured oversight. However, families enrolled in non-campus-based umbrella schools are not eligible for the Private School Scholarship.
Students attending Ascend STEM Academy or similar umbrella schools may qualify for the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) if they meet its eligibility criteria. However, it is important to note that these funds cannot be used to pay for non-campus-based umbrella school tuition. Instead, they can be used for:
- Curriculum and Tutoring: FES-UA funds can cover homeschool expenses such as curriculum materials, instructional resources, and tutoring services.
- Educational Services and Materials: The scholarships allow for the purchase of educational technology, specialized instructional materials, online courses and virtual learning services, and other resources that support a customized learning experience.
- Extracurricular and Enrichment Programs: Families can use scholarship funds to purchase extracurricular and enrichment programs such as STEM workshops, art classes, or music lessons.
- Therapies and Specialized Instructional Support: Students with unique learning needs may use the UA scholarship for therapies and specialized instruction support services.
Unfortunately, Step Up scholarships are designed primarily for traditional private schools and do not cover tuition for flexible umbrella school models. However, Ascend STEM Academy mitigates this by keeping tuition costs low, ensuring that families can still access quality educational support without the high expenses of conventional private schooling.
FES-UA families save 25%. Because Unique Abilities funds can’t pay umbrella school tuition, Ascend takes 25% off enrollment for students with an FES-UA scholarship. Email proof of your award (your award letter or a screenshot from your Step Up account) to ascendstemacademy@gmail.com and we’ll send your discount code.
What about PEP? The Personalized Education Program works differently. PEP students can’t also be enrolled full-time in a private school, so a family using PEP generally can’t enroll with an umbrella school like Ascend at the same time. If you’re weighing PEP against umbrella enrollment, check the current rules with Step Up For Students before you choose.
Conclusion
Florida’s Step Up Scholarships provide diverse opportunities for families to tailor their children’s education according to individual needs and preferences. By understanding the various scholarships available, staying informed about application processes, and knowing how to apply funds to non-campus-based umbrella schools, families can make informed decisions that best support their children’s educational journeys.
Enrolled families can also browse our free homeschool resource hub for curricula and tools that stretch scholarship funds further.
