Yes, as long as Florida residency is legally maintained. Please note this option is only available to students on the FES-UA or PEP scholarships. Active-duty military with change of station orders out-of-state may apply for, or renew their FES-UA or PEP scholarships, if they can prove maintenance of Florida residency. You will not be eligible to keep FTC or FES-EO scholarships to attend private schools out-of-state.
Official scholarship values will be posted once the new budget is approved by the governor.
You will need to decline the scholarship you were awarded and apply for the scholarship you want as a new student. You can decline a scholarship using this form here.
If you had an FTC, FES-EO, FES-UA, PEP, or Hope scholarship and enrolled in a public school, your scholarship will end, and the remaining funds will be returned to the state. As a public-school student, you may be eligible for a New Worlds Scholarship Account or a Transportation Stipend.
You can use this form here to decline a scholarship.
No. Law changes prohibit applying for more than one private school or parent-directed scholarship at a time for your student. You can apply for a new scholarship once you’ve been denied or have declined an awarded scholarship. However, you may apply for both the Transportation Stipend and New Worlds Scholarship Account if your student qualifies.
Yes. If you are active duty and have been given permanent change of station orders to Florida you will be eligible for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), Personalized Education Program (PEP), or Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) before you make your move. You can apply with your base address or new Florida home address (if you have one) and upload your permanent change of station paperwork with your application.
You have 30 days to enroll your student in a new private school. If you have not enrolled your student within 30 days your remaining scholarship funds will be returned to the state.
No, you can only apply for one private school or parent-directed scholarship at a time.
Yes. If you are on active duty and have been given a permanent change of station orders to Florida, you will be granted eligibility for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC), or the Personalized Education Program (PEP).
Students who received a funded scholarship but are not enrolled in an eligible private school for 30 days will lose scholarship eligibility and all funds will be returned to the state. The same applies if a student enrolls in a public school during the school year in which they receive a scholarship.
CORE Society: Empowering Educational Freedom
Transform Lives Through Educational Choice
Step Up For Students invites visionary philanthropists to join the CORE Society - a community of organizations united in advancing educational freedom and empowering families across Florida.
Join the CORE Society and become a catalyst for change in Florida's education landscape. Your partnership with Step Up For Students empowers families to choose the best educational path for their children, opening doors to opportunity and success. By supporting our mission, you're not just funding scholarships – you're investing in the future of our communities, one student at a time. Together, we can reimagine education and give every child the chance to reach their full potential.

Our Impact
20+ years of empowering Florida families
Over 2.5 million scholarships funded across all programs
Five state-funded scholarship programs administered
Countless lives transformed through educational choice
The CORE Society: Reimagining Education
Advocating for children and families at local, state, and national levels
Enhancing technology to make scholarships accessible to every family
Giving all students the chance to achieve their dreams

About Step Up For Students

Your Philanthropic Impact

Membership Levels
Scholar - Receive a digital certificate and recognition on our donor wall for your generous support of educational choice.
Advisory - Earn a framed certificate and invitations to exclusive events as we honor your commitment to expanding learning opportunities.
Visionary - Be celebrated with a commemorative plaque and personalized engagement opportunities for your leadership in advancing educational freedom.


Contact Our Philanthropy Team
Other Helpful Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover how your support can make a lasting impact on educational freedom in Florida. Below are answers to common questions from philanthropists like you who are considering joining the CORE Society.
Your contribution helps Step Up For Students administer five state-funded scholarships for Florida schoolchildren. As a member of the CORE Society, you're part of a community that has funded over 1.5 million scholarships in 20+ years, empowering parents to choose the most appropriate learning options for their children.

Stepping Up To Success


