Financial Access Program (FAP) – Curious Innovators

Financial Access Program

Administered by Curious Innovators, INC

Expanding Access. Empowering Opportunity.

The Financial Access Program (FAP), administered by Curious Innovators, Inc., is designed to support families who believe in the Curious Innovators learning model but may need financial support to participate.

Through a combination of need-based review and donor-supported funding, FAP helps make innovative, student-centered learning accessible—while maintaining the strength and sustainability of our program.

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Fueling Innovation Through Scholarships

To ensure fair and responsible distribution of funds, all applications are reviewed with careful consideration of:

State scholarship funding already received (including Step Up for Students ESA)
Household financial need
Enrollment status and program participation
Anticipated out-of-pocket tuition costs

Financial assistance is designed to supplement, not replace, existing funding sources.

Qualification Requirements

To be considered for the Financial Access Program, applicants must:

Be enrolled in three or more days per week at Curious Innovators of America

Demonstrate financial need through a structured review process

Submit all required documentation

Required Documentation

To determine eligibility, families must provide:

A completed financial review (application)

Step Up for Students Award Letter (if applicable)

Documentation outlining anticipated out-of-pocket tuition costs

Additional documentation may be requested if needed for clarification.

Award Structure

If approved, recipients will typically receive a sponsorship covering approximately 25% of their out-of-pocket tuition costs.

Awards are based on funding availability

Amounts may vary depending on need and available funds

Assistance is applied directly to tuition

Access shouldn’t limit potential. Through the Financial Access Program, we are working to ensure more families can step into an educational experience built for their child.

Important Program Notes

Financial assistance is limited and not guaranteed

Awards are determined by Curious Innovators, Inc.

Funds are paid directly to the program and not to families

Assistance may be adjusted based on funding availability or changes in eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is CIA a Direct Pay step-up provider?

Yes, Curious Innovators of America is an approved Step-up provider. You can find our services listed directly within the Marketplace on the EMA (Education Market Assistant) Site.

Therefore, there is no need to go through the treacherous reimbursement process.

Which Step-Up Scholarships are accepted by CIA?

We accept PEP, UA, and the New Worlds scholarship.

How do I apply for the Step Up scholarship?

To apply for a scholarship through Step Up For Students, follow these steps:

Visit the Step-Up for Students EMA portal and start your application.

You’ll need to provide proof of your child’s age, diagnosis (if applicable), and residency.

Review and prepare your documents using the Application Checklist (PDF).

How does the funding work once I’m approved?

Once your child is approved for funding:

Funds will be deposited quarterly into your Education Savings Account (ESA) through the EMA portal.

You can use the funds for approved services and items that support your child’s education.

Where can I use my scholarship funds?

You have two options to access services:

Visit MyScholarShop– This marketplace includes pre-approved vendors and products you canpurchase directly.

Or log into your EMA Account to submit reimbursement requests or pay for services manually.

How do I pay with Step Up for Students?

Watch the following video tutorials that walk you through the payment process using your EMA account
and MyScholarShop:

📹 How to Use Step-Up Funds for Private School Tuition

📹 A Guide to Using MyScholarShop

📹 Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Paying with Step Up

These short videos make it easy to understand how to access and manage your scholarship funds!