Are you craving for personalized learning? Step Up for Students empowers you to customize your child’s learning by providing you with funds. You can choose from private schools, online programs, homeschooling, or even educational resources fitted for your child’s unique needs. Learn how your child can thrive in the correct learning environment with Step Up for Students.
WHAT IS STEP UP FOR STUDENTS?
Step Up for Students is a non-profit organization that administers the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) program with the Florida Department of Education. Step Up for Students empowers Florida by expanding educational options through Education Saving Accounts (ESAs).
WHAT IS THE FLORIDA EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP (FES) PROGRAM?
Step Up for Students empowers Florida families with K-12 students to personalize their educational journey through the Florida Empowerment Scholarship (FES) program. The program provides students with an Education Savings Account (ESA) to use for approved educational expenses.
Think of it as a dedicated savings account filled with public funds allocated for your child’s learning journey. You manage these funds to personalize their learning experience.
With Step Up for Students, you can manage your funds to make personalized choices for your child’s learning journey.
HOW TO USE YOUR STEP UP FOR STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIP
Once your child receives the scholarship from Step Up for Students, you’ll gain access to the Education Scholarship Account (ESA). You can use ESA funds for a wide range of approved expenses, tailoring your child’s education to their unique needs.
Here are some approved expenses:
- Private school tuition
- Online learning programs
- Subscription boxes
- Homeschooling resources
- Therapies
- Tutoring
- Educational field trips and extracurricular activities
Step Up for Students provides resources to help you use ESA funds. They won’t directly recommend you to specific vendors, but they provide a marketplace of qualified Education Scholarship Accounts to assist you in finding the best fit for your child’s needs.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR STEP UP FOR STUDENTS?
The Florida Empowerment Scholarship (FES) program offers two tracks:
- Universal Account: This is open to all Florida residents (K-12) regardless of income. Your child must be at least 5 years old by September 1st of the enrollment year.
- Unique Abilities: This is designed for students with specific diagnoses (age 3 through grade 12 or 22, whichever comes first) who may benefit from a more individualized approach. There is no income requirement for this track.
How much is the Florida Step Up For Students scholarship?
The ESA fund awarded depends on your child’s grade level and disability status (if applicable). The fund ranges from $6000 to $7900 for the school year 2023-2024.
IS STEP UP BASED ON INCOME?
The universal account has no income requirement. Any Florida resident student meeting the age requirement can apply.
HOW DOES THE STEP UP FOR STUDENTS PROGRAM WORK?
Step Up for Students make the process smooth for Florida students:
Step Up for Students confirms that your child is eligible for the program. You can go to their website or call their toll-free number.
Submit your application through the Step Up for Students website.
If the number of applicants exceeds the available funds, Step Up for Students conducts a random selection.
Step Up for Students informs you of your application status. You will receive details about your education scholarship account if you are awarded. They will also help you in choosing the right ESA provider.
Select a qualified Education Scholarship Account provider that is aligned with your student's needs. Companies like The Landmark Kids offer subscription boxes that’ll help your child explore the world in the comfort of your own home.
Your funds will be electronically deposited into your account. You can use this like a debit card for approved purchases.
DOES STEP UP FOR STUDENTS SUPPORT HOMESCHOOLING?
Yes! Step Up for Students supports homeschooling. You can use a portion of your Education Scholarship Account Funds for approved homeschool expenses.
As a homeschool parent, you’ll act as the primary educator and be responsible for creating a curriculum that meets state standards.
When your child completes a program, your homeschooled child can take a standardized test (GED or Florida High School Competency Test). You can also have your child’s portfolio evaluated by a qualified individual to earn a diploma.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN STEP UP FOR STUDENTS?
Here are some benefits you’ll get once you participate in the Step Up for Students program:
- Tailored Learning Experience. This program empowers you to personalize your child’s education to cater to their unique learning style and needs.
- Financial Flexibility. You can manage your child’s Education Scholarship Account funds and utilize them for approved educational expenses.
- Expanded Options. You can explore different educational pathways beyond traditional public schools.
- Empowerment for All. The Universal Account removes income barriers. This ensures equal access to educational choices.
- Support for Every Learner. The Unique Abilities track offers specialized support for children with specific learning needs.
Explore MyScholarShop: Personalized Learning Resources for Florida Students
MyScholarshop, under Step Up for Students, is a user-friendly online platform that helps you find and purchase approved educational resources using your Education Scholarship Account funds.
This is a library full of instructional materials, curricula, and educational subscriptions readily available at your fingertips.
Here are ways to personalize your child’s learning experience with MyScholarShop:
- Competitive Prices. This will ensure that you’ll get the best prices for your families.
- Fast Shipping. Get resources quickly and with little or no disruptions.
- Convenience. Find items, mark your favorites, and proceed to checkout seamlessly.
MyScholarShop is beyond ESA transactions. They give you different educational resources that cater to different subjects, grade levels, and learning styles. MyScholarShop helps you ensure that your child’s unique needs are met. You can use the platform with ease, so you can focus on your child’s learning journey.
HOW EASY IS IT TO USE MYSCHOLARSHOP?
MyScholarShop simplifies your ESA transactions. Vendors are directly paid using your child’s scholarship account. This eliminates the need for upfront payments by families.
Step Up for Students manages all payment processes and ensures timely shipping.
When you choose Step Up for Students, you’re taking charge of your child’s educational journey. This program opens doors to new possibilities, fosters a personalized learning environment, and empowers your child to thrive.
LEARNING ADVENTURES MADE FUN: THE LANDMARK KIDS AND STEP UP FOR STUDENTS
Ignite your child’s curiosity about the world through The Landmark Kids, a screen-free way to explore the world.
Use ESA funds through MyScholarShop to unlock the potential of The Landmark Kids boxes.
The Landmark Kids, a monthly mystery geography kit that transforms children aged 7-12 into globe-trotting secret agents. Each box is a new assignment, whisking your young detectives away to crack puzzles, solve logic challenges, and decipher brain games, all without needing a digital device. A screen-free, educational adventure, fostering critical thinking, family teamwork, and cultural awareness. Kids will have fun solving the case while learning about geography, food, history, language, and social studies.
Ready to learn more? Explore the Landmark Kids today and give your child a gift of global exploration today.