Step Up Scholarship Florida Program: Everything To Know
Are you a Florida resident looking for educational options for your child? If so, the Step Up Scholarship program might be the perfect fit for you!
In Florida, where educational choice is a priority, Step Up Scholarships enable families to personalize their child's learning experience, whether through private school, homeschooling, or specialized services like tutoring, speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
In this article, we'll help you understand the SUFS scholarship programs in Florida. We'll cover eligibility requirements, application procedures, and the benefits of participating.
If you're a parent seeking to expand your child's educational horizons, keep reading to learn how the Step Up Scholarship program can help you achieve your goals!
Key Takeaways:
Customized Education Options: The Step Up Scholarship allows Florida families to personalize their child’s education, supporting private schooling, homeschooling, and specialized services, such as speech and occupational therapy.
Broad Support for Unique Learners: The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) provides funding for diverse needs, covering expenses for essential therapies, even in remote areas or for children who need extra health precautions.
Financial Empowerment: By removing financial barriers, the Step Up program helps Florida families access quality education through tailored educational resources and therapies, enhancing student outcomes.
What is the Step Up Scholarship?
History and Development: Expanding Educational Options
Eligibility Requirements for the Step Up Scholarship
Step Up Scholarship Application Process
Benefits of the Step Up Scholarship Florida
How Step Up for Students is Making a Difference
Frequently Asked Questions About Step Up Scholarship Florida Program
Connected Speech Pathology: Bringing Online Speech Therapy Expertise to FES-UA Students
What is the Step Up Scholarship?
The Step Up Scholarship is a Florida program that offers financial assistance for various educational options for Kindergarten through 12th grade students and students with unique abilities up to age 22.
The Step Up Scholarship program (SUFS) aims to empower Florida students by expanding their educational opportunities. This program goes beyond financial assistance; it seeks to personalize education for all students, regardless of background or needs.
By providing resources for private schooling, homeschooling options, and specialized services, SUFS strives to make quality education accessible to every family in Florida. The SUFS scholarship is particularly impactful for families with children with unique learning styles or abilities.
History and Development: Expanding Educational Options
The Step Up Scholarship program's roots trace back to 1998. Tampa businessman John Kirtley's creation of a scholarship program for low-income students, focusing on private schools, highlighted the need for educational choice in Florida.
Building on this momentum, the Florida legislature passed a bill in 2001 establishing the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This initiative, signed by Florida Governor Jeb Bush, allowed corporations to redirect taxes towards scholarship funds, helping families bridge the gap in affording private school tuition.
The program has since evolved, offering scholarships like the FES and FES-UA, which go beyond private schools and provide resources for homeschooling and students with unique abilities. Today, Step Up Scholarships empower families to personalize their child's education to the most appropriate learning options.
Types of Scholarships Offered
The Step Up Scholarship program offers a variety of scholarships to cater to the diverse needs of Florida students and families, including those seeking private school options or alternatives to traditional public schools. Here's a breakdown of the available options currently:
Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship
The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to low-income families seeking alternative educational options for their children, such as private schools. Funding comes from corporate tax credits, making it an excellent choice for qualifying families.
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA):
The Family Empowerment Scholarship, formerly the Gardiner Scholarship, supports students from various backgrounds. It can be used by students with unique abilities, giving them more flexibility in their educational journey. There is no income requirement for the FES program.
The Personalized Education Program (PEP)
The PEP program provides an ESA for students not enrolled full-time in private or public schools, allowing flexibility in their educational journey.
The New Worlds Scholarship
This scholarship helps struggling public school students in VPK (pre-kindergarten) and Kindergarten through 5th grade in reading and math. Funds can be used for tutoring, after-school programs, and instructional materials.
Transportation Stipend
This stipend helps with transportation costs for Kindergarten through 8th-grade students who attend a public school outside their assigned district.
Hope Children's Scholarship Fund
As of July 1, 2024, the Hope Scholarship Program has been merged with the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) programs under House Bill 1403.
Families previously receiving the Hope Scholarship will now apply through the FTC/FES-EO programs. These programs offer similar benefits and may fit your needs well.
Eligibility Requirements for the Step Up Scholarship
The Step Up Scholarship program offers various scholarships, each with its own eligibility criteria. Here's a breakdown of the requirements for each type:
Private School Scholarships (FES-EO and Florida Tax Credit Scholarship)?
The FES-EO and Florida Tax Credit Scholarship programs offer Florida residents financial assistance for private school tuition. Here's a breakdown of eligibility:
Any Florida student residing in the state and eligible to enroll in a K-12 public school can apply. Household income is not a factor for initial eligibility.
Priority for scholarship awards is given to families meeting one or more of the following criteria:
Household income falls at or below 400% of the federal poverty line (see website for income priority guidelines).
The student is a renewing recipient of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship or Family Empowerment Scholarship.
The student is in foster care or out-of-home care.
The student is identified as homeless.
The student's family member is an active-duty member of the U.S. military who recently received permanent change of station orders to Florida.
The student has experienced bullying at their current K-12 public school and given to families at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA):
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is designed to support many students. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
Be between the ages of three (including children turning three during the application year) and grade twelve, or up to age twenty-two, whichever comes first.
Have a documented diagnosis from a qualified professional in one or more of the following categories:
Developmental Delays: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Specific Learning Disability
Physical or Sensory Impairments: Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida
Chronic Health Conditions: Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Other Health Impairment (as defined by IDEA)
Other Conditions: Emotional or Behavioral Disability, Being a High-Risk Child (as defined by IDEA), Hospitalization/Homebound Status, Dual Sensory Impairment, Rare Diseases, Traumatic Brain Injury
Please note: This list is not exhaustive. If you have any questions regarding your child's eligibility, we encourage you to visit Step Up For Students.
Step Up Scholarship Application Process
Ready to apply for a Step Up Scholarship? Here's a step-by-step guide to the application process:
1. Eligibility Check:
Before you begin your application, ensure your family meets the eligibility requirements for your desired scholarship type (refer to the "Eligibility Requirements" section for details).
2. Create an Account:
Head to the Step Up For Students website (https://www.stepupforstudents.org/) and create an online account. You can manage your application on this site and stay updated on the process.
3. Choose Your Scholarship:
Once logged in, select the appropriate scholarship program based on your child's needs (e.g., FTC Scholarship, FES Scholarship, etc.).
4. Complete the Application:
The online application typically involves providing details about your child, your family's income (for income-based scholarships), and your preferred choice of schools.
5. Gather Required Documents:
Here are some documents you might need to upload during the application process:
Student's birth certificate
Proof of Florida residency for all household members
Tax documents (for income-based scholarships)
Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan (if applicable)
Documentation of bullying or violence (for Hope Scholarship)
Reading assessment results (for Reading Scholarship Accounts)
Important Deadlines:
The application window for Step Up Scholarships typically opens in the fall. It's crucial to check the Step Up For Students website for the most up-to-date deadlines for each of the students' scholarship programs. Applying early is recommended.
Benefits of the Step Up Scholarship Florida
The Step Up Scholarship programs offer many advantages for Florida students and families. Let's explore some of the key benefits:
Choice & Quality Education: Step Up Scholarships empower families to choose the best learning environment, including private schools for those seeking smaller class sizes or specialized programs. Scholarships help bridge the gap in affording private school tuition.
Support for All Students: The FES-UA program offers funding for students with unique needs, allowing families to invest in therapies, specialists, or homeschooling – all to support their child's learning journey.
Reduced Financial Barriers: Scholarships like the FTC and FES provide financial assistance, making private school tuition and other educational options more accessible for low-to-middle-income families.
This program empowers Florida families to invest in their children's future by offering financial support and educational flexibility.
How Step Up for Students is Making a Difference
The Step Up Scholarship program isn't just about expanding options; it's about real impact on students and families. Here's how:
Empowering Families: Step Up Scholarships allow families to choose the educational environment that best suits their child's needs. Funds can be applied to a private school, a homeschooling program, or specialized services like tutoring, speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT).
Removing Barriers for Unique Learners: The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is a game-changer. This program offers funding through an Education Savings Account (ESA) that can be used for a broader range of approved expenses.
With the ESA's flexibility, children can access crucial therapies like speech, OT, and PT even if a qualified provider isn't readily available in their area. Remote services can be utilized, ensuring these students receive the support they need to thrive.
Strong Partnerships: Step Up For Students fosters collaboration with schools and community organizations. This network strengthens the program's reach and ensures families can access a broader range of educational resources and support services.
Positive Outcomes: While data specific to the benefits of using funds for therapy services might not be readily available on the Step Up For Students website, studies have shown that school choice programs can lead to improved academic achievement, increased parental satisfaction, and a more diverse learning environment.
Step Up For Students is making a significant difference in the lives of children and families across Florida by empowering families, removing barriers, and fostering strong partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Step Up Scholarship Florida Program
1. Who qualifies for a Step-Up Scholarship in Florida?
Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship type. Generally, students must be Florida residents eligible to attend a public K-12 school. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) caters to a broader range of income levels, while the FES-UA program has no income requirement for students with qualifying disabilities. Visit the Step Up For Students website for the latest details on each scholarship's criteria.
2. Who is eligible for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship?
The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship prioritizes low-income families. Households with an income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level receive priority consideration. Students must also be Florida residents eligible to attend a public K-12 school.
3. Can I use a Step-Up Scholarship for homeschooling?
Yes, some Step-Up Scholarships offer homeschooling support! The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) allows funding for approved homeschooling expenses, including curriculum materials, online programs, and even educational therapies. Remember to check the Step Up For Students website for the most up-to-date information on how the students' scholarships can be used for homeschooling.
Connected Speech Pathology: Bringing Online Speech Therapy Expertise to FES-UA Students
The Step Up For Students-UA (FES-UA) program is a lifeline for families with children who have unique abilities. It empowers them to access essential resources, including speech therapy, which can significantly impact a child's development.
Online speech therapy can be particularly beneficial for FES-UA recipients. It eliminates barriers for families living in remote areas or where minimizing virus exposure is crucial. Sessions can be conducted conveniently from home, saving time and allowing for more consistent attendance, potentially leading to faster progress.
Additionally, Connected Speech Pathology boasts a network of experienced and certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who can deliver effective speech therapy plans remotely. This, combined with Connected Speech Pathology's expertise in specific speech and language disorders, ensures children receive the most targeted treatment possible.
If you're an FES-UA recipient considering speech therapy for your child, exploring online options is a great way to leverage the program's flexibility and ensure your child receives the support they need.
Connected Speech Pathology is listed on the Education Savings Account Marketplace (EMA) and has provided online speech therapy services since 2018.
We'd be happy to be part of your child's journey towards reaching their full potential!
Summary
The Step Up For Students program in Florida offers various scholarships, empowering families to personalize their child's education. From private schools and homeschooling to specialized services like speech therapy, the program removes financial barriers and provides vital support for students with unique needs.
About the Author
Allison Geller is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the owner of Connected Speech Pathology. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Florida in Speech-Language Pathology. Allison has practiced speech therapy in a number of settings including telepractice, acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and private practice. She has worked extensively with individuals across the lifespan including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and adults. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of communication disorders including receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders, brain injury, and swallowing disorders.
Allison served as the clinical coordinator of research in aphasia in the Neurological Institute at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. She is on the Board of Directors for the Corporate Speech Pathology Network (CORSPAN), a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) certified clinician, and a proud Family Empowerment Scholarship/Step-Up For Students provider. Allison is passionate about delivering high quality-effective treatment remotely because it’s convenient and easy to access. What sets us apart from other online speech therapy options is—Allison takes great care to hire the very best SLPs from all over the country.
