2026-27 applications open

Use Your Step Up For Students Funding for EduQuencher

Q: How much funding can my family receive?

Most scholarships provide about $8,000 per year. FES-UA students often receive around $10,000 or more, depending on their needs. Funds can go toward tuition, curriculum, therapy, tutoring, and approved services.

Q: Is PEP open to new students for 2026-27?

Yes. After earlier capacity limits, PEP is open to new students for the 2026-27 school year, with capacity expanded to 140,000 students. Check the Step Up portal for current availability.

Q: What are the income requirements?

FTC, FES-EO, and PEP are open to all income levels. Priority goes to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (around $93,000 for a family of four) if demand exceeds available funds. FES-UA has no income requirement.

Q: Can scholarship funds be used for online learning?

Yes. Families can use funds for live online classes, tutoring, curriculum, and enrichment when the provider is approved. EduQuencher self-paced programs can be purchased through MyScholarShop, and live programs can be reimbursed.

Q: When should families apply?

Applications for 2026-27 are open now on the Step Up website. Because funding is limited for some programs, applying early helps protect your priority status.

Apply Now Explore Scholarships

~$8,000 average award
140,000 PEP student capacity
2-4 weeks typical processing

What is Step Up For Students?

Step Up For Students is a Florida nonprofit that connects families with scholarship funding for more personalized education. Thanks to expanded state legislation, more Florida families than ever can access these scholarships, regardless of income level. Most scholarships now work as education savings accounts (ESAs), which means funds can go toward more than tuition: curriculum, tutoring, therapies, online classes, and approved materials.

Private school family? Look at FTC and FES-EO.
Homeschooling or parent-directed? PEP is built for you.
Child with a diagnosed disability? FES-UA is the most flexible.
Need reading or math help? New Worlds supports VPK-5th grade.

Scholarship Programs

What Scholarships Are Available in 2026-27?

Step Up runs several programs. The right one depends mostly on how your child learns.

FTC & FES-EO

~$8,000 average

Open to all Florida K-12 students eligible for public school, regardless of income. Once tuition and fees are covered, remaining funds can go toward online learning, tutoring, and educational materials.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

~$10,000 average

For students ages 3 through grade 12 (up to age 22) with a qualifying diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, or speech and language impairments. Covers therapies, tutoring, curriculum, and approved tools.

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

~$8,000 average

Built for parent-directed learning. Open to new students for 2026-27 with capacity expanded to 140,000 students. Funds cover curriculum, tutors, and online classes.

New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

Reading & math support

For VPK through fifth grade public school students who need extra reading or math support. Funds can be used for tutoring, curriculum, and enrichment.

Hope Scholarship

Year-round applications

For K-12 students who have experienced bullying, harassment, or other qualifying incidents at their public school.

Transportation Stipend

$750

For K-8 students attending an out-of-zone public school. One stipend per household.

Who is Eligible?

All income levels

FTC, FES-EO, and PEP are open to all income levels. Families at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (around $93,000 for a family of four) may receive priority if demand exceeds funding.

Diagnosed needs

FES-UA is for students with a qualifying diagnosis. A formal diagnosis or IEP/504 Plan is typically required.

Early learners

New Worlds is for VPK through fifth grade public school students identified as needing reading or math support.

How to Apply

Applications for 2026-27 Are Open Now

Here’s the process, step by step.

Create an account

Register as a new user in the Step Up For Students portal, or log in if you’re returning. Each family needs a unique login.

Choose your scholarship

Review FTC, FES-EO, FES-UA, and PEP and pick the one that fits. Each lists its own eligibility and documentation requirements.

Gather your documents

Proof of Florida residency, proof of income if applying for priority, birth certificate or proof of age, and diagnosis or IEP documentation for FES-UA.

Complete and submit

Double-check your uploads. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, so applying early helps.

Track your status

Watch your dashboard and email for approval or requests for more information.

Use your funds

Once approved, connect your funds to eligible providers, including EduQuencher programs, tutors, therapists, and curriculum vendors.

How to Use Step Up Funds for EduQuencher Programs

Florida families with FES-UA or PEP funds can use EduQuencher two ways. Eligibility and funding availability are determined by Step Up For Students.

Self-paced programs through MyScholarShop

EduQuencher self-paced programs can be listed in MyScholarShop, so you can shop and pay with ESA funds without reimbursement.

Live programs through reimbursement

For live small-group classes or 1:1 tutoring, pay out of pocket and submit the receipt for reimbursement through your ESA platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding can my family receive?

Is PEP open to new students for 2026-27?

What are the income requirements?

Can scholarship funds be used for online learning?

When should families apply?

Florida students with eligible Step Up For Students scholarship funding may use approved scholarship funds for EduQuencher programs. Eligibility and funding availability are determined by Step Up For Students. EduQuencher is not affiliated with or endorsed by Step Up For Students or the State of Florida.