Step-Up Scholarship

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Step Up for Students

Step Up For Students is a state-approved, nonprofit Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO) that empowers families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children.

Fueling Innovation Through Scholarships

Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options

Give your child access to the education that best meets their needs! Florida students can receive an average of $7,800 to support their educational endeavors.

New Worlds Scholarship

Help your struggling K-5th grade child in becoming a stronger learner. This scholarship can be used for fees related to tutoring and after-school/summer programs along with instructional materials, curriculum, and more. Financial assistance is provided through a $500 education savings account (ESA).

Transportation

Every child has unique needs and sometimes the best school may be one other than the one he/she is assigned. To support the transportation costs associated with traveling to a different public school than the one they've been assigned, families can benefit from a transportation stipend of $750.

Unique Abilities

Personalize the education of your child with unique abilities. We offer a variety of services that can be bundles to create tailored learning pathways. Qualified students can receive an average of $10,000!

Full-Time Tutoring

Our center provides full-time tutoring programs for parents of homeschool learners looking to provide personalized education pathways.

Part-Time Tutoring

Parents/guardians can utilize our center in their quest to create a customized learning plan for their child and address the services needed to fulfill their child’s academic needs and interests.

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!