Introducing Step Up, Step Further!

A new, transformative scholarship program for Florida K-12 public and private school students that will be available in 2027.

It's Time To Step Up, It's Time To Step Further.

For over 20 years, Step Up For Students has played a pivotal role in the lives of Florida students through educational choice. Serving over 1 million aspiring students and funding $1 billion in scholarships, Step Up For Students has a proven model and solid infrastructure to scale up and serve even more students. Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund will be an extension of that proven and successful model.

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, passed in 2025, will go into effect in 2027 and will empower students in both public and private schools to reach even further. In addition, the scholarship fund has a unique incentive for donors looking to improve educational choice in their community. Donations for the scholarship fund will be accepted beginning January 1, 2027. Donors will receive a non-refundable tax credit up to $1,700, while making an impact within their own communities.

It's Time To Rewrite Education In The United States.

Step Up, Step Further is committed to opening even more doors of opportunity for every child, starting right here in Florida. As a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), we will leverage the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program to empower families with real choices in education—whether that means a public school that fits their child’s unique needs or a private school that nurtures their potential. By removing financial barriers, we’re ensuring that parents can choose the learning environment where their children will thrive, fostering a future where every student has access to the tools and support they deserve.

Our vision doesn’t stop at Florida’s borders. Through the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, Step Up, Step Further will help create a nationwide movement for educational freedom and equity. Families across the country will gain the ability to select schools that align with their values and aspirations, regardless of income or zip code. Scholarships may also be used to supplement education through support services, technology, and other educational resources. This is more than a scholarship—it’s a promise of hope, opportunity, and empowerment for generations to come. Together, we can build a future where every child has the chance to succeed, and every parent has the power to choose the best path for their child’s education.

"Florida is the number one state for education because of our commitment to providing every student with the option that works best for them."

- Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis

It's Time To Make A Meaningful Impact.

Join us as we build greater educational opportunity in Florida and beyond. We appreciate your support to provide even more school choice options for K-12 public and private school students. Donations to the fund will be accepted beginning January 1, 2027.

Interest List DONORS

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Other Ways To Get Involved

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Step Up For Students uses your email address to share information about the scholarships you are interested in. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, check out our Privacy Policy at https://www.stepupforstudents.org/privacy-policy/.

It's Time to Provide Students Like Joseph More Choices to Grow and Thrive.

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit will enable more Florida students like Joseph to reach for the stars. The new Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund, debuting in 2027 will serve public and private school students and provide funds for tuition, technology, supplemental educational services, and educational supplies. Join us on the journey to make a huge impact in our communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Work?

The new program, which goes into effect in 2027 will allow taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 when they donate to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) of their choice.

The scholarships will provide eligible K-12 families in both public and private schools additional resources for tuition, tutoring, technology, and educational resources.

What can scholarship funds be spent on?

Scholarshop funds can be spent on tuition, tutoring services, technology, transportation, uniforms, room and board, special needs services and educational items.

Who is eligible for a scholarship?

To qualify, students must be eligible to attend a public K-12 school and reside in households earning up to 300% of the area’s median income, which includes most families across the country.

When will the new program be up and running?

Scholarships are expected to start being granted in 2027. Also, donors can start contributing to the Step Up, Step Further Scholarship fund in 2027 to be eligible for the non-refundable tax credit up to $1,700.00

How much money will be available for scholarships?

There is a "limit" on scholarship funds available for students, but it's proportionate to how much money the Scholarship Guardian Organization (SGO) raises.

Do the scholarship funds come from federal funding?

No, the scholarship funds do not come from federal funding. The scholarship funds are generated through taxpayer donations to the issuing Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO).

Make An Impact In YOUR Community.

A Scholarship To Help YOUR Child Thrive.

Getting involved with the Scholarship Fund is more than a contribution—it’s an investment in the future of your community. By supporting the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program through Step Up, Step Further, you’re helping local families access educational opportunities that fit their children’s unique needs. Every dollar you give helps unlock doors for students who might otherwise be limited by financial constraints, allowing them to attend schools where they can truly thrive. Your generosity doesn’t just change one life; it strengthens neighborhoods, builds brighter futures, and creates a ripple effect of hope and possibility throughout your community. Together, we can ensure that every child has the chance to succeed, no matter their circumstances.

Make The Pledge Today!

As a parent or guardian, you want the very best for your child—and we’re here to help make that possible. Through the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, Step Up, Step Further offers scholarships that can open doors to schools where your child can learn, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re seeking a public school with specialized programs or a private school that aligns with your family’s values, this scholarship can provide the financial support you need to make the right choice. It’s more than assistance—it’s an opportunity to give your child the education they deserve and the future they dream of. Learn more today and take the first step toward unlocking your child’s potential.

Learn About Scholarships!

Stepping Up, and Stepping Further: Our Latest Stories

Expanding School Choice, Unbundling Education, & Empowering Parents in Florida

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Lauren May, Vice President Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, Step Up For Students, joined Ginny Gentles recently on the Freedom To Learn Podcast to dispel education freedom myths, explain how Florida became a national leader in educational choice, and discuss what to expect from the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. Lauren shares her journey from […]

Coming Soon: A Way To Grow School Choice Scholarships

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By Ron Matus Happy New Year and heads up! We have big news and a small ask. The big news: The brand-new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit will strengthen Step Up scholarships in a historic way when it kicks off one year from now. We are still awaiting details. But most of us will be able […]

Breaking Barriers: How School Choice is Changing the Game for Every Student

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Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program Launch – 2027 For decades, education in America has been defined by boundaries, district lines, ZIP codes, and income brackets. These invisible walls have shaped futures, often limiting opportunities for students who deserve more. But in 2027, those walls are coming down. The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program is rewriting […]

Dreams Without Boundaries: Why School Choice is America’s Next Great Equalizer

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For generations, a child’s future has been tethered to their ZIP code. Where you live often determines the quality of your education, and for millions of families, that reality has felt like an unbreakable chain. But what if we could change that? What if every child, regardless of income, neighborhood, or circumstance, had the freedom to attend a school […]

Double the Opportunity: How Florida Families Will Thrive with State and Federal Scholarships in 2027

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For years, Florida families have seen the transformative power of Step Up For Students scholarships. These programs have opened doors to better schools, personalized learning, and resources that help students thrive. But imagine what happens when those opportunities multiply. In 2027, families won’t just rely on their Florida state scholarship—they’ll be able to add a […]

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