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Step Up for Students: Scholarships, Use, and How They Can Support Your Child’s Education

  • Writer: Accounts Recievable
    Accounts Recievable
  • Sep 5
  • 3 min read

Updated: Oct 14

What Is Step Up for Students?


Step Up For Students (SUFS) is a nonprofit Scholarship Funding Organization in Florida that administers K–12 scholarships and educational choice programs. It manages several major scholarship programs that allow Florida families greater flexibility and access to quality education. In fact, Step Up administers approximately 98 % of Florida’s scholarship programs. In a recent opening weekend, over 120,000 students applied for K–12 scholarships.


Types of Scholarships & Programs


Here are some of the key programs SUFS offers:

Program

Purpose / Eligibility

What Funds Can Be Used For

Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship

For K–12 students from low- to middle-income households.

Private school tuition, approved fees, textbooks, some services.

Family Empowerment Scholarship – Educational Options

Broadens school choice for eligible families.

Tuition, tutoring, approved school services.

Family Empowerment Scholarship – Unique Abilities

Specifically for students with exceptionalities, disabilities, or special needs.

Tuition, therapies, curriculum materials, assistive tech, other approved supports.

Gardiner Scholarship (Education Savings Account)

For children with certain disabilities; unspent funds may roll over.

Tuition, curriculum, therapies, training, learning materials, educational technology.

Hope Scholarship

For victims of bullying, harassment, or violence in school.

Private school tuition or approved educational services.

Reading Scholarship

Helps students in grades 3–5 to improve reading; eligible based on assessment scores or school rating.

Tutoring, books, summer reading programs, literacy tools.


These funds are designed to help families choose educational options that best meet their children’s needs—whether academic, therapeutic, or support-based.


How to Use Scholarship Funds at Atlas Academy


If your child qualifies for a Step Up scholarship, here’s how those funds might work within our school:

  1. Tuition & Fees: Scholarship funds typically cover all or most of the tuition cost. Any balance is handled through private tuition or fundraising as needed.

  2. Support Services & Therapies: For students with additional needs (speech, OT, specialized instruction), funds from the Unique Abilities or Gardiner programs can help pay for those services if Atlas Academy offers them or coordinates them.

  3. Learning Materials & Technology: Approved textbooks, curriculum, assistive tech, or adaptive tools may be purchased through scholarship dollars.

  4. Application & Renewals: Families apply through Step Up’s portal during designated windows. Scholarships must often be renewed annually, with income eligibility and program criteria reviewed each year.

  5. Guidance & Support: Our admissions and financial aid team can assist families in completing applications, understanding award letters, and maximizing benefits.


Why These Scholarships Matter


  • They reduce financial burden and open pathways to high-quality, specialized education.

  • They promote educational equity by giving families choice, especially for children with exceptionalities.

  • They encourage schools to maintain rigorous standards since they partner with scholarship providers like SUFS.

  • They enable investment not just in academics but in therapies, personalized supports, and inclusive practices that maximize student growth.


Final Thoughts


Step Up for Students doesn’t just offer funding—it opens doors. At Atlas Academy, we view these scholarships as tools to help students access an environment tailored to their potential. Whether your child needs specialized instruction, therapeutic supports, or just access to a compassionate, structured learning environment, these programs can make it feasible.


We encourage any interested families to explore SUFS, check eligibility, connect with our admissions team, and plan early to maximize funding.


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