Step Up for Students is Florida's largest scholarship funding organization, a nonprofit that administers the state's major school choice programs including Family Empowerment Scholarships, the Personalized Education Program for homeschoolers, and scholarships for students with unique abilities.
What is Step Up for Students?
Step Up for Students is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that administers approximately 99% of all school choice scholarships in Florida. Founded to serve low-income students, bullied students, and students with special needs, the organization now provides scholarships for private school tuition, homeschool education, tutoring, therapy, and other educational expenses to families across all income levels. Step Up for Students is a scholarship funding organization (SFO) approved by the state of Florida to manage these programs.
Key Takeaways
- Administers five major scholarship programs serving PreK-12 students statewide
- Private school and PEP scholarships average approximately $8,000 per student
- Unique Abilities scholarships average $10,000+, with some exceeding $30,000
- All K-12 Florida students are eligible regardless of household income
- 2026-27 applications open February 1, 2026 with April 30, 2026 deadline
Scholarship Programs Administered
How the Priority System Works
Private school scholarships use a priority system based on household income as a percentage of federal poverty level. First priority goes to families earning up to 185% FPL, second priority to families between 185% and 400% FPL. However, income doesn't disqualify anyone—all Florida students are eligible regardless of income. Once awarded, students keep eligibility until graduation or age 21, even if household income increases. Renewal students who apply by April 30 receive priority over new applicants.
The Personalized Education Program for Homeschoolers
PEP serves homeschool families and students not enrolled full-time in public or private school. Funds can cover part-time private instruction, hybrid school programs, homeschool curriculum and materials, tutoring services, instructional materials, and online learning programs. Students must be K-12 Florida residents, at least age 5 by September 1, and must file notice terminating their traditional home education registration with the school district. PEP applications close April 30 each year with no late applications accepted.
Unique Abilities Scholarship
FES-UA provides education savings accounts for students ages 3 through grade 12 (or age 22, whichever comes first) with qualifying disabilities. Eligible diagnoses include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, speech/language impairment, specific learning disabilities, hearing or visual impairment, orthopedic impairment, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and other qualifying conditions. These funds can cover private school tuition, therapy and specialized services, assistive technology, home education materials, specialized lessons, and even college savings contributions. Students with more complex needs may qualify for $22,000-$36,000 or more annually.
The Bottom Line
Step Up for Students serves as the primary gateway to Florida's school choice funding. Whether you're seeking private school scholarships, homeschool support through PEP, or specialized services for a child with disabilities, applications flow through this organization. The breadth of covered expenses and the removal of income restrictions make these programs accessible to most Florida families. Contact Step Up for Students at (877) 735-7837 or visit stepupforstudents.org to register for 2026-27 application updates.
