This week, Keith Jacobs, Director of Provider Development at Step Up For Students, was invited to participate in an Education Freedom Tax Credit roundtable at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, joining national leaders in a thoughtful discussion on expanding educational opportunity for families.

The conversation focused on a critical question: How do we ensure that policy translates into real, accessible pathways for students?

At Step Up, Step Further, we believe that strong outcomes require both sound policy design and practical, on-the-ground implementation. Scholarship Granting Organizations play a key role in bridging that gap, helping ensure families can navigate options with clarity and confidence.

Keith highlighted our organization’s experience supporting SGO infrastructure at scale, sharing insights into what it takes to build systems that are accessible, accountable, and centered on families. “Strong policy depends on strong implementation. SGOs help turn opportunity into access for families, and that’s the perspective we brought to this conversation.”

“This invitation reflects the importance of pairing policy vision with operational experience,” said Gretchen Schoenhaar, President and CEO of Step Up For Students, and Step Up, Step Further. “We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a national dialogue focused on expanding opportunity for families.”

We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of this national dialogue and to continue contributing to the responsible growth of educational opportunity for students across the country.

At Step Up, Step Further, our culture is grounded in purpose and powered by a shared belief that every student deserves access to opportunity, no matter their circumstances. We are a team that leads with heart, moves with urgency, and embraces a “whatever it takes” mindset in service of students and families across Florida. That spirit comes to life through the people behind the work, including Julisse Levy, Director of Business Initiatives, whose commitment to opening doors and helping students go further reflects the very core of who we are and why we do this work every day.

Let's get to know Julisse, Director of Business Initiatives!

Q. Julisse, what are three words that you would use to describe Step Up, Step Further?
A. Inspiring, Innovative, and Impactful

Q. What is the most rewarding part about your role?
A. It is truly an honor to be part of a new initiative that expands even more educational opportunities for Florida’s K–12 students.

Q. What is challenging about your role at Step Further?
A. Starting this new initiative has been an exciting journey, and every step has been worth it.

Q. What impact do you feel that Step Further will have on Florida students?
A. Step Further empowers Florida students with more choices, paving the way for stronger futures.

Q. What is the culture like at Step Up, Step Further?
A. At Step Further, we are united by a shared mission to open doors and ensure more students receive the education they deserve. Our “whatever it takes” mindset drives us forward every single day.

Q. What would be the greatest outcome of a child receiving a Step Further Scholarship?
A. At its core, a Step Further Scholarship is about giving children the confidence and security to thrive in the educational setting that best fits their needs.

Real impact starts with real people. Meet Jen, Director of Policy & Compliance. Jen is a passionate leader behind the Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund - a team committed to opening doors and changing lives for Florida’s K–12 students.

Meet Jennifer White, Director of Policy & Compliance

Q. Jen, what would be the greatest outcome of a child receiving a Step Further Scholarship?
A. Eliminating the financial barriers keeping them from their full potential

Q. Can you give us three words that best describe Step Up, Step Further?
A. Leadership, Innovation, Success

Q. Please describe the culture at Step Up, Step Further for us.
A. It's a very Collaborative and forward-thinking team. We've got a lot to build, so it's critical that we lean into each other's strengths.

Q. What impact do you feel that Step Further will have on Florida students?
A. Bringing even more options to current families, expanding opportunities to public school students, and continuing to lead the way in the school choice movement.

Q. What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
A. Being a part of a new team, a new program, and a new opportunity that brings even more educational options to families.

Q. What’s challenging about your role?
A. Balancing the unknown with what I can control.

Q. A little off topic, but what are your favorite movies?
A. I love Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Notebook.

VALRICO – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday morning that Florida will opt in to the nationwide Education Freedom Tax Credit program established in August by the Trump Administration. 

The federal program, which will launch in 2027, is designed to bring education choice to families across the country. In doing so, it will give families from coast to coast what those in Florida have enjoyed for more than 20 years – the final word in the education of their children. 

“The great stuff we're doing here probably is going to be pretty groundbreaking in states that have not yet gone down the road of school choice,” DeSantis said. “But here we are, further empowering residents and families to be able to make the most around the country.” 

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces Florida will opt in to the Education Freedom Tax Credit Program.
(Photo by Step Up For Students)

The federal program allows individual taxpayers to contribute to approved scholarship-granting organizations, enabling students from a wide range of backgrounds to pursue the learning environment and educational resources that best fit their needs. Students in both public and private schools will benefit from resources that support tuition, tutoring, educational tools, technology, and special academic programs.

Step Up For Students, the Florida non-profit that manages the state’s education choice programs, will participate in administering the federal program by establishing the Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund, a separate 501c3 non-profit. 

DeSantis made the announcement at Grace Christian School in Valrico as part of National School Choice Week. The school has 682 students on a Florida choice scholarship. The governor stood at the dais behind a sign that read, “School Choice Success. Florida is leading the nation.” 

Anastasios Kamoutsas, Florida’s Commissioner of Education, followed DeSantis to the dais and said more than 1.4 million students in Florida benefit from a school choice option. More than 500,000 students receive one of the education choice scholarships. 

DeSantis mentioned that Florida was the pioneer in education choice scholarships for students with unique abilities and for families who want to homeschool. 

“Where do we rank in homeschooling? Do you know? At the top,” DeSantis said. “So we do good in homeschool because we embrace it and we empower.” 

Kamoutsas said the purpose of National School Choice Week is to celebrate the freedom and opportunities that come with it. 

“In Florida, that principle guides all that we do, and our students are better off because of it,” he said. “This week has been a time to showcase Florida's leadership in building the largest and most comprehensive school choice program in the nation.” 

Step Up For Students, the nation’s largest education choice scholarship funding organization, applauds Gov. Ron DeSantis for announcing today that Florida will participate in the new Education Freedom Tax Credit Program. 

The program, which will begin in 2027, allows individual taxpayers to contribute to approved scholarship-granting organizations, enabling students from a wide range of backgrounds to pursue the learning environment and educational resources that best fit their needs. 

Florida leads the nation with over 528,000 students receiving a state education choice scholarship. The federal tax credit opens the door to additional funding streams that build upon the variety of choice options the state currently offers so that students can thrive regardless of ZIP code.  

Step Up For Students will participate in administering the program by establishing, in accordance with federal law, the Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund, a separate 501c3 non-profit.  

“This marks a transformative moment for students across Florida,” said Step Up For Students CEO Gretchen Schoenhaar. “By joining the Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, the state is empowering families with greater educational choice and expanding access to opportunities that can shape futures for generations. We’re proud to support Florida students as they pursue the learning pathways that will help them succeed and look forward to administering the EFTC program.” 

By Ron Matus

Happy New Year and heads up! We have big news and a small ask.

The big news: The brand-new Education Freedom 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 to donate to grow the scholarships in a way that will cost us nothing.

The Education Freedom Tax Credit is another game-changer for school choice. It will allow individuals to receive a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 by making a donation to scholarship organizations like Step Up For Students. In other words: You can give to Uncle Sam. Or you can give to grow scholarships.

Again, many details are up in the air. But it’s not too early to start paying attention. And that’s our small ask: Please stay on the lookout for the details as they emerge! The best way to do that is by joining our email list to stay informed.

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 the rules of education. By incentivizing donations to scholarship-granting organizations, this initiative empowers families to make choices that fit their children’s unique needs, whether that means staying in a public school with added resources, or moving to a private school that offers specialized programs.

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A Public School Student’s Story: From Struggling to Thriving

Meet Jasmine, a bright 8th grader in a rural community. Her public school lacked advanced math courses and reliable transportation for after-school tutoring. Through the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship, Jasmine’s family received funding for transportation assistance, a laptop for virtual learning, and weekly tutoring sessions. Today, Jasmine is excelling in algebra and preparing for STEM opportunities that once felt out of reach.

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A Private School Student’s Story: Unlocking Specialized Support

Then there’s Ethan, a 10-year-old diagnosed with dyslexia. His local public school tried its best, but resources were limited. With the scholarship, Ethan’s parents enrolled him in a private academy specializing in reading interventions. The result? Ethan now reads confidently and dreams of becoming a writer, proof that tailored education can change lives.

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Why This Matters

School choice isn’t about abandoning public education, it’s about expanding opportunity. The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program ensures that public school students can access tutoring, technology, and transportation, while private school students gain entry to specialized programs. It’s a win-win for families, communities, and the future of education.

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The Big Picture

When families have options, students thrive. When donors invest in scholarships, they invest in equity. And when policymakers embrace flexibility, they create a system where every child, regardless of ZIP code, can pursue their dreams without boundaries.

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 that nurtures their potential? 

That’s the promise of the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. This policy isn’t just a line item in a budget; it’s a lifeline for families who have long been denied choices. By incentivizing donations to scholarship-granting organizations, the program opens doors to tutoring, individualized education, private schools, specialized academies, and innovative learning environments that were once out of reach for low- and middle-income families. 

Consider the story of a family in an underserved urban community. For years, their child attended a school where overcrowded classrooms and limited resources stifled curiosity and learning. Today, thanks to a scholarship funded through this tax credit, that same child is thriving in a high-performing school with access to advanced coursework and dedicated teachers. The trajectory of their life has changed—not because of luck, but because of opportunity. 

At Step Up For Students, we know what happens when families are given the freedom to choose the learning environment that works best for them. Students who once struggled begin to thrive. Parents who may have once felt powerless become active partners in their children’s education. Communities grow stronger as more children find their footing -- and their future.   

These outcomes are not theoretical. Researchers at the Urban Institute found that students on the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship – the majority of whom were Hispanic or Black, from low-income homes, and were typically the most struggling students in their prior public schools  -- were up to 43 percent more likely than their public school peers to attend four-year colleges, and up to 20 percent more likely to earn bachelor’s degrees.   

The new federal program builds on this momentum. It invites states to participate in a model that has already demonstrated success at scale. It respects state autonomy while offering federal support. It ensures that scholarships reach students directly, giving families the power to choose and the flexibility to tailor education to their child’s individual needs.  

School choice is not about dismantling public education; it’s about expanding options. It’s about recognizing that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. When we give families the power to choose, we level the playing field. We create a system where dreams aren’t confined by geography, and where every child can pursue an education that aligns with their aspirations. 

America has always been a nation of opportunity. The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit is a bold step toward making that ideal a reality for every student. It’s time to embrace school choice as the next great equalizer, because when we invest in freedom and fairness, we invest in the future.

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 federal scholarship on top of it. This isn’t just more funding; it’s more freedom, more flexibility, and more hope for every child in K–12.

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What Does This Mean for Students?

Think about the possibilities:

Specialized Programs: Students with learning challenges can receive targeted interventions, therapies, and resources that were once out of reach.

Enhanced Learning Tools: Families can invest in laptops, tablets, and adaptive technology to support virtual learning and specialized instruction.

Tutoring and Academic Support: Extra funds mean access to high-quality tutoring for math, reading, and STEM subjects, helping students close gaps and accelerate progress.

Transportation Assistance: No more worrying about how to get to the school that best fits a child’s needs. Scholarships can cover transportation costs, making choice truly accessible.

The Ripple Effect

When students thrive, families thrive. Parents gain peace of mind knowing their children are in environments that nurture their potential. Communities grow stronger as more students graduate prepared for college, careers, and life.

Research already shows that scholarship students are more likely to attend college and earn degrees. Adding federal support amplifies these outcomes, creating a future where every child has the tools to succeed, regardless of ZIP code or income.

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Why This Matters

Education is the foundation of opportunity. By combining state and federal scholarships, we’re not just funding education, we’re funding dreams without boundaries. We’re giving families the power to choose, and students the freedom to thrive.

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The Future Starts Now

2027 isn’t just another year. It’s the year we redefine what’s possible for Florida’s students. With Step Up For Students and the new Education Freedom Tax Credit, the sky isn’t the limit; it’s just the beginning.