Imagine The Possibilities!

Introducing the Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund! Coming in 2027 for Public & Private K-12 Students.

Step Further is a new federal scholarship program
launching in Florida in 2027, backed by 25 years of proven success.

Step Up For Students has transformed educational opportunities for Florida families. With over 1 million students served and $1 billion in scholarships funded, we have a proven model and solid infrastructure to serve even more students.

The Education Freedom Tax Program, launching in Florida on January 1, 2027, brings new opportunities to Florida families.

Donate To The Fund

Receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit up to $1,700 when you donate, meaning your contribution costs you nothing out of pocket. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to 5 years, giving you maximum flexibility.
Make An Impact >

About The Scholarship

Scholarships support K-12 students in both public and private schools, covering tuition, tutoring, technology, special needs services, and more. Florida families can check their financial eligibility status using our calculator. Learn More >

Become A School Partner

Advance your mission without added complexity. We manage the full administration of the Education Freedom Tax Credit Scholarship, helping your school or district operate more efficiently while maximizing impact. Learn More >

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

Step Up, Step Further is committed to opening doors of opportunity for every child in Florida. As a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), we leverage the Education Freedom Tax Credit Program to empower Florida families with real educational choices for both public and private schools.

What makes us different:
• Proven Florida track record: Over 20 years serving families with measurable results
• Research-backed success: Our scholarship students are up to 43% more likely to attend college
• Comprehensive support: scholarships cover tuition, tutoring, technology, special needs services, and educational supplies
• Both sectors supported: Students in public AND private schools can benefit
• Financial accessibility: We remove barriers so income and zip code don't limit opportunity

As Florida leads, the nation follows. The Education Freedom Tax Credit Program creates the potential for educational choice nationwide. As more states join, Step Up, Step Further will be positioned to expand our proven Florida model to families across America. This is more than a scholarship, it's a promise of hope, opportunity, and empowerment for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Education Freedom Tax Credit 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?

Scholarship funds can be spent on tuition, tutoring services, technology, 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. You can check your Florida county AMI using our AMI calculator tool.

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 no cap on the total federal tax credits available nationwide. The amount available for Florida scholarships depends on how much Florida donors contribute to Step Up, Step Further. Your donation directly increases scholarship opportunities for students in your community.

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).

How much of my donation goes directly to scholarships?

At least 90% of all donations fund scholarships for students. No more than 10% is used for administrative costs, including financial oversight, compliance, family support services, and independent audits. This ensures your contribution makes maximum impact while maintaining the highest standards of accountability

What if I can't use the full $1,700 tax credit?

Unused federal tax credits can be carried forward for up to 5 years. This gives you flexibility to claim the credit across multiple tax years as your tax liability allows.

"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

* Florida opted in to the Education Freedom Tax Program on January, 28, 2026.

From Our Newsroom

July 20, 2026

Step Up For Students Announces Promotion of David Heroux to Vice President, Head of Federal Scholarship Tax Program

Step Up, Step Further

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Step Up For Students is proud to announce the promotion of David Heroux to Vice President of the Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund, a key initiative focused on expanding educational opportunity for students and families across Florida. In his new role, David will lead the continued development and growth of the Step Up, Step […]