How the Scholarship Works

       Students learn in different ways and parents need to find the best school for each child. Sometimes that means another public school in a different neighborhood or sometimes that means a private school. Step Up For Students exists to help low-income families enjoy all of those options.

      Students who qualify for the free or reduced school lunch program may qualify for a Step Up For Students Scholarship to a private school or for funds to help cover transportation costs to an out-of-district public school. 

      Our goal is to give your family a choice in your child’s education. It is your child; It is your choice.

     These scholarships were created by the Florida Legislature in 2001 to assure that low-income children have learning options. Under the law, the scholarships are based on financial need, not how well your child does in school. They are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and can be transferred to other eligible schools if the student moves within the state, or simply wants to attend a different Step Up partner school.

To qualify for a scholarship for the 2016-17 school year:

1. A child entering kindergarten must be 5 on or before September 1st.

2. A child entering first grade must be 6 on or before September 1st

3. A child entering grades 6-12 must have attended a Florida public school for the entire previous school year.

AND
Your household income is at or below the amount shown on the income guidelines.