How Much Does Step Up for Students Pay? A Complete Guide to Florida Step Up Income Qualifications and Scholarship Amounts

Understanding the Step Up for Students Scholarship Program

The Step Up for Students program is a Florida-based scholarship initiative designed to help families afford quality education for their children. It provides financial assistance to eligible students, allowing them to attend private schools or access additional educational resources. If you’re wondering how much the Step Up scholarship pays, what the income qualifications are, or how to apply for funding, this guide has everything you need to know.

Florida’s Step Up for Students program ensures that financial constraints do not prevent students from receiving a high-quality education. With rising education costs, these scholarships provide a crucial opportunity for families to secure financial assistance for private school tuition, lessons, transportation, books, and other necessary educational expenses.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the scholarship amounts to eligibility criteria and how to apply successfully.

What is Step Up for Students?

Step Up for Students is a state-approved nonprofit organization that provides K–12 scholarships to eligible students in Florida. The program was created to give families more educational options by reducing financial barriers to private school education.

This program is made possible through tax credit funding and state-funded education savings accounts. Over the years, it has expanded to accommodate more students, including those with disabilities, students from low-income households, and those seeking alternative education.

Step Up for Students administers multiple scholarship programs, each catering to different student needs. Below is a breakdown of how much each scholarship pays:

Scholarship Programs and Amounts

1. Florida Tax Credit (FTC) and Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)

• Average award: $8,000 per student per year
• Maximum scholarship amount: $24,000 per student per year
• Usage: Covers private school tuition, transportation, books, and other approved educational expenses

These two scholarships function similarly, with the main difference being how they are funded. The FTC Scholarship is funded through corporate tax credits, while the FES-EO Scholarship is directly funded by the state.

This scholarship is best suited for families who want to send their children to a private school but need financial assistance to cover tuition costs.

2. Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

• Average award: Varies by student needs, up to $50,000 per year
• Usage: Covers tuition, lessons, therapy, assistive technology, and specialized services for students with disabilities

The FES-UA Scholarship was formerly known as the Gardiner Scholarship. It is designed to assist students with special needs, including those diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other disabilities. The funds can be used for tuition, therapy, assistive learning devices, and home education.

This program provides an essential resource for families seeking specialized education and additional support for students with disabilities.

3. Hope Scholarship

• Award amount: Varies based on student needs and school of choice
• Eligibility: Available to students who have experienced bullying or harassment at a public school
• Usage: Covers tuition and educational resources for private school transfer

The Hope Scholarship allows students facing bullying, harassment, or safety concerns at public schools to transfer to a private school with financial assistance. This provides a safe and supportive learning environment for students who may otherwise struggle in their current educational setting.

4. New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

• Award amount: $1200 per student per year
• Eligibility: Available to K–5 students struggling with reading or math proficiency 
• Usage: Can be used for educational resources, tutoring, and literacy programs

This program is designed to enhance literacy and math development for students struggling in these core subjects. It provides funds to purchase books, access tutoring services, and participate in educational programs that support both reading and math skills.

Florida Step Up Income Limits and Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Step Up for Students scholarship, families must meet specific income guidelines. Eligibility is determined by household size and income compared to the federal poverty level (FPL).

Here’s how income priority is determined:

Income Eligibility Breakdown

The income eligibility for Step Up for Students is based on a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which changes annually. Below are the estimated income limits for eligibility in 2024:

• First Priority: Families earning up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • Family of 2: $37,482
  • Family of 3: $47,303
  • Family of 4: $57,125
  • Family of 5: $66,946
  • Family of 6: $76,768
• Second Priority: Families earning between 185% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Family of 2: $81,760
  • Family of 3: $103,120
  • Family of 4: $124,480
  • Family of 5: $145,840
  • Family of 6: $167,200

These amounts may change yearly, so it is recommended to check the latest updates on the Step Up for Students website or the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

• First Priority: Families earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level
• Second Priority: Families earning between 185% and 400% of the federal poverty level
• Other Considerations:
  • Students must be Florida residents.
  • Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before September 1.
  • First-grade students must be 6 years old on or before September 1.

Even if your household income increases after your child has been approved for a Step Up for Students scholarship, they will not lose eligibility. Once awarded, students remain eligible until they graduate high school or turn 21, whichever comes first. This ensures continued access to funding without concerns about income fluctuations affecting their ability to stay in the program.

This stability allows students to remain in their chosen school and benefit from uninterrupted learning. For parents, it provides peace of mind, knowing their child’s education is secure for the long term. However, families must still renew their scholarship applications annually to confirm their intent to continue receiving aid.

How to Apply for a Step Up for Students Scholarship

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that your child meets the income and residency requirements listed above.

2. Apply Through Firefly Tutors

Firefly Tutors simplifies the application process by guiding families step-by-step. To get started:

• Visit: [Firefly Tutors’ Step Up for Students Page](https://fireflytutors.com/florida-step-up-for-students/)
• Sign up to receive guidance on eligibility and application steps
• Complete the application following the provided instructions

3. Submit Your Application with Required Documents

Once you begin the official application process, be prepared to submit:

• Proof of residency for all household members
• Income verification documents
• School enrollment information

4. Receive Scholarship Approval

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply as early as possible. Returning applicants typically have until February 28 to renew their scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does the Step Up scholarship pay for private school tuition?

The scholarship can pay up to $8,000 per student on average, but amounts vary based on school tuition and program eligibility.

Can I apply if my income is above the poverty line?

Yes, families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level may still qualify.

What expenses does the scholarship cover?

It covers private school tuition, transportation, books, and additional educational expenses. The FES-UA scholarship also covers specialized therapies and learning resources for students with disabilities.

When should I apply?

Applications open in the spring, and scholarships are awarded first-come, first-served—apply as early as possible!

Get Started with Firefly Tutors

Applying for a Step Up for Students scholarship can be overwhelming, but Firefly Tutors simplifies the process. We provide expert guidance on eligibility verification, application submission, and connecting students with high-quality tutors to ensure they receive the support they need.

Our team helps families navigate income qualifications, scholarship amounts, and required documentation, making the process straightforward and stress-free.

To get started, visit Firefly Tutors Step Up for Students. For official scholarship details, visit Step Up for Students.