ECCA Program News & Updates

From state-level opt in announcements to new Treasury rules, get the latest analysis and press releases from our expert policy team.

Meet the Team: Jenna Cooper

At the heart of every great system is someone who quietly asks the right questions and cares deeply about the people those systems are built to serve, and that’s where Jenna Cooper, our Business Analyst, shines. Jenna brings a thoughtful, steady presence to Step Up, Step Further, helping translate complex ideas into solutions that work […]

Parent Support and How It Creates Student Success

Our own Lauren May, Vice President, recently appeared on the EdChoice Chats podcast for an engaging conversation about the power of parent support in driving student success. Lauren was joined by Colleen Hroncich, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute’s Center for Educational Freedom, and Kimberlee Tucker, owner of the Homeschool Hive, for a thoughtful […]

Meet the Team: Julisse Levy

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 […]

Meet The Team: Jennifer White

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 […]

Meet The Team: Lauren May

The Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund is fortunate to have some of the most passionate and dedicated team members who are focused on changing the lives of Florida K-12 public and private school students. Our meet the team series will highlight some of the remarkable people behind the Step Further Scholarship Fund. Meet Lauren […]

Opportunity shouldn’t depend on an address

By Lauren May, Vice President, Step Up, Step Further In a state as diverse and dynamic as Florida, opportunity should never depend on an address. Where a child grows up should not determine how far they can go. And yet, for too many Florida students, it still does. This isn’t just an education issue; it’s […]

How the Education Freedom Tax Credit Will Impact Florida Students

Our very own Lauren May recently appeared on the EdChoice Chats podcast to discuss the new Education Freedom Tax Credit and how it will impact K-12 students in both public and private schools in Florida. In the podcast, Lauren stressed the impact that this initiative will have on Public school students. “Students in public schools […]

Expanding opportunity for Florida students through federal scholarship tax credits

When Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that Florida will take part in the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, it opened the door to providing families with even more options for their children’s K-12 education.

Florida governor opts in to Education Freedom Tax Credit program, Step Up For Students announces plans to administer

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 […]

Florida Expands Opportunity for Students Through Education Freedom Tax Credit Program 

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 Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program

Expanding School Choice, Unbundling Education, & Empowering Parents in Florida

Lauren May, Vice President, Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund, joined Ginny Gentles recently on the Freedom To Learn Podcast to dispel education freedom myths, explain how Florida became a national leader in educational choice, and discuss what to expect from the new Education Freedom Tax Credit. Lauren shares her journey from educator to advocate […]

Coming Soon: A Way To Grow School Choice Scholarships

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 […]

Breaking Barriers: How School Choice is Changing the Game for Every Student

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 […]

Dreams Without Boundaries: Why School Choice is America’s Next Great Equalizer

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 […]

Double the Opportunity: How Florida Families Will Thrive with State and Federal Scholarships in 2027

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 […]

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