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.

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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Your Privacy Matters

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

By providing your mobile phone number, you consent to receive text messages from Step Up For Students. Terms & conditions at https://www.stepupforstudents.org/sms-terms/

Step Up For Students uses your email address to share information about the scholarships you are interested in. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, check out our Privacy Policy at https://www.stepupforstudents.org/privacy-policy/.

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

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?

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

January 27, 2026

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

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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 […]

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

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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 […]

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

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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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