What Is Step Up For Students?
Step Up For Students administers Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which provides scholarships covering tuition at participating private schools. It is the largest school choice program in the country, serving over 500,000 students across Florida.
- Award Amount
- Up to ~$8,000–$9,000/yr (varies by grade)
- Eligible Grades
- K-12
- Participating Schools
- 337 in Tampa Bay (2,000+ statewide)
- Current Recipients
- 500,000+ families
Who Qualifies?
As of 2023, Florida expanded eligibility to all families regardless of income through the universal FES program. Previously income-capped, the program now serves any Florida resident entering K-12.
Key: As of 2023, there is no income limit for the FES scholarship. All Florida K-12 students are eligible.
How to Apply
- 1
Create an account
Visit the Step Up For Students website and create a parent account during the open enrollment window (typically February–September).
- 2
Submit your application
Provide proof of Florida residency, your child's age/grade, and household information.
- 3
Choose a participating school
Once approved, select from 2,000+ private schools across Florida that accept the scholarship.
- 4
Enroll and attend
The scholarship funds are sent directly to the school. You may owe the difference if tuition exceeds the award.
Find Schools That Accept Step Up
Browse scholarship-accepting schools in Tampa Bay and find the best match for your child.
View Scholarship-Accepting Schools