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


For over 20 years, 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.

For Donors:
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.

For Families:
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

Get Involved!



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."

"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. 

Make An Impact In YOUR Community.

A Scholarship To Help YOUR Child Thrive.

Getting involved with the Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund is more than a contribution; it’s an investment in the future of your community. By supporting the Education Freedom Tax Credit Program through Step Up, Step Further, you’re helping local families access educational opportunities that fit their children’s unique needs. Every dollar you give helps unlock doors for students who might otherwise be limited by financial constraints, allowing them to attend schools where they can truly thrive. Your generosity doesn’t just change one life; it strengthens neighborhoods, builds brighter futures, and creates a ripple effect of hope and possibility throughout your community. 

Your $1,700 donation costs you nothing. It's simply redirecting part of your federal tax payment to directly help Florida students instead of sending it to Washington. Plus, unused tax credits can be carried forward for up to 5 years

Together, we can ensure that every child has the chance to succeed, no matter their circumstances.

Make The Pledge Today!
As a parent or guardian, you want the very best for your child, and we’re here to help make that possible. Through the Education Freedom Tax Credit Program launching in Florida, Step Up, Step Further offers scholarships that can open doors to schools where your child can learn, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re seeking a public school with specialized programs or a private school that aligns with your family’s values, this scholarship can provide the financial support you need to make the right choice. It’s more than assistance; it’s an opportunity to give your child the education they deserve and the future they dream of. Learn more today and take the first step toward unlocking your child’s potential.



Learn About Scholarships!

It's Time To Make A Meaningful Impact.

Join us as we build greater educational opportunity in Florida and beyond. We appreciate your support to provide even more school choice options for K-12 public and private school students. Donations to the fund will be accepted beginning January 1, 2027.

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I'd Like To Make A Difference


Your Privacy Matters

We'll only contact you about Step Up, Step Further and will never share your information.


It's Time to Provide Students Like Joseph More Choices to Grow and Thrive.


The Education Freedom Tax Credit will enable more Florida students like Joseph to reach for the stars. The new Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund, debuting in 2027 will serve public and private school students and provide funds for tuition, technology, supplemental educational services, and educational supplies. Join us on the journey to make a huge impact in our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Scholarship funds can be spent on tuition, tutoring services, technology, uniforms, room and board, special needs services and educational items.
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.
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
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.
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).
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
No problem! 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.


Stepping Up, and Stepping Further: Our Latest Stories

March 3, 2026
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 […]

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February 25, 2026
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 […]

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February 17, 2026
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 […]

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