“The new federal scholarship aligns perfectly with the mission of the Chamber’s Prosperity Initiative and talent goals,” said John Kirtley, founder and chairman of Step Up For Students. “We are honored to be a sponsor of the summit and grateful for this partnership.”
With the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) set to launch in 2027, schools and organizations across the country are preparing for one of the most significant developments in scholarship funding in recent history.
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 […]
Every parent or guardian wants the same thing: an education that helps their child grow, thrive, and feel confident about the future. Starting in 2027, a new opportunity, the Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund, will help make that possible for even more Florida families.
A message to families, schools, and communities navigating the Education Freedom Tax Credit When families think about education, they aren’t thinking about systems, platforms, or processes. They’re thinking about their children. They’re thinking about the late nights spent helping with homework, the uncertainty of whether their child’s school will still be there next year, and the hope that one more opportunity […]
At Florida TaxWatch’s policy forum, Step Up For Students Founder and Chairman John Kirtley shared how the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit will help expand opportunity for K-12 low income district school students.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
