What Step Up For Students Actually Covers: A Miami Parent's Guide to Scholarships

Last week, a parent called us asking about Step Up For Students. She had heard about the program from another parent at her child's school, but she was not sure if her family qualified or what it could actually be used for.

"Can I use it for tutoring?" she asked. "And if I can, how does it work? Do I have to pay upfront and get reimbursed, or does the program pay you directly?"

These are great questions, and they are questions we hear all the time at Open Mind Learning & Fine Arts. Step Up For Students is an incredible resource for families in Florida, but it can be confusing to navigate if you have never used it before.

At Open Mind, we are proud to be an approved Step Up For Students provider. This means eligible families can use their scholarship to cover the cost of our Academic After-School Program, personalized tutoring, and enrichment classes.

If you are a Miami parent who has heard about Step Up For Students but does not know where to start, this guide is for you.

What Is Step Up For Students?

Step Up For Students is a nonprofit organization that administers several scholarship programs for families in Florida. These scholarships help cover the cost of private school tuition, tutoring, therapy, and other educational services.

The program was created to give families more options when it comes to their child's education. If your child is struggling in their current school, or if you want access to services that can help them succeed, Step Up For Students may be able to help.

Types of Scholarships Available

Step Up For Students administers several different scholarship programs, and each one has different eligibility requirements and uses. Here are the main ones that apply to tutoring and after-school services.

Personalized Learning Scholarship Accounts (PLSA)

This is one of the most flexible scholarships. It can be used for tutoring, curriculum, online courses, therapy, and other educational services. Many families use this scholarship to pay for private tutoring or after-school programs like ours.

To qualify, students must meet certain eligibility requirements, including household income limits and enrollment in a Florida public school during the previous year.

Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES)

The FES program helps low-income families pay for private school tuition or educational services. If your child is currently enrolled in public school and meets the income requirements, you may qualify.

Hope Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically for students who have been bullied, harassed, or victims of violence in school. It allows families to transfer their child to a different public school, or use the funds for private school tuition or educational services.

The Hope Scholarship is often overlooked, but it is an important option for families whose children need a fresh start in a safer learning environment.

What Can Step Up For Students Be Used For?

This is where families get confused. Not all scholarships can be used for the same things, and not all providers are approved for every scholarship type.

At Open Mind Learning & Fine Arts, families can use Step Up For Students scholarships to cover:

• Tutoring services: One-on-one or small group tutoring in reading, writing, math, and test prep.
• Academic After-School Program: Our structured program that includes homework help, skill reinforcement, and personalized tutoring.
• Enrichment programs: Arts, dance, and STEAM activities that support academic growth and confidence.

The scholarship cannot be used for random expenses or non-educational activities. Everything must be tied to your child's learning and development.

Who Qualifies for Step Up For Students?

Eligibility depends on which scholarship program you are applying for, but here are the general requirements.

Income Requirements

Most Step Up For Students scholarships have income limits. These limits are based on household size and are updated each year. For example, a family of four may need to have a household income below a certain threshold to qualify.

You can check the current income limits on the Step Up For Students website.

Enrollment Requirements

Some scholarships require that your child was enrolled in a Florida public school during the previous school year. Others are open to students who were homeschooled or attended private school.

Age and Grade Level

Most scholarships are available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Some programs also serve pre-K students.

Special Circumstances

The Hope Scholarship has additional requirements related to bullying, harassment, or violence. To qualify, you need documentation from your child's school or a police report.

How to Apply

Applying for Step Up For Students is done entirely online. Here is how the process works.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you apply, visit the Step Up For Students website and use their eligibility tool. This will tell you which scholarships you may qualify for based on your household income, your child's current school, and other factors.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You will need to provide proof of income, proof of residency, and your child's student ID number. Make sure you have these documents ready before you start the application.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you submit your application, Step Up For Students will review it. This can take a few weeks, so apply as early as possible.

Step 4: Get Approved and Set Up Your Account

If your application is approved, you will receive a scholarship account. This account will have funds that you can use to pay for approved services from approved providers, like Open Mind Learning & Fine Arts.

Step 5: Use Your Scholarship

Once your account is set up, you can start using your scholarship. At Open Mind, we work directly with Step Up For Students to process payments. You do not have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. We handle the billing for you.

How It Works at Open Mind Learning & Fine Arts

If you are approved for Step Up For Students, here is how you use it at Open Mind.

Enrollment

First, enroll your child in one of our programs. Whether it is our Academic After-School Program, tutoring, or enrichment, we will work with you to find the right fit.

Authorization

You will need to authorize Open Mind as a provider through your Step Up For Students account. This is a simple process, and we can guide you through it.

Payment

Once we are authorized, we submit invoices to Step Up For Students on your behalf. The scholarship funds pay for the services, and you do not have to worry about upfront costs.

Updates and Reports

We provide regular updates on your child's progress so you know how they are doing. Step Up For Students also requires documentation of services, and we handle all of that for you.

Common Questions Miami Parents Ask

Can I use the scholarship for more than one service?

Yes. As long as the services are educational and approved by Step Up For Students, you can use your scholarship for multiple programs. For example, you could use it for tutoring and enrichment at the same time.

What happens if I run out of scholarship funds?

If your scholarship funds run out before the end of the year, you can either pay out of pocket or wait until the next school year when new funds are allocated.

Can I switch providers if I am not happy?

Yes. You can change providers at any time. Just make sure to follow the proper steps through your Step Up For Students account.

What if my application is denied?

If your application is denied, you will receive an explanation. You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation.

Why Step Up For Students Matters for Miami Families

For many families in Miami, Step Up For Students is the reason they can afford tutoring and after-school support. Without this scholarship, these services would be out of reach.

We have seen students go from failing to thriving because their families were able to access the help they needed. We have seen parents breathe a sigh of relief because homework is no longer a nightly battle. We have seen children gain confidence, improve their grades, and feel proud of their progress.

Step Up For Students is more than just financial assistance. It is an opportunity for families to invest in their child's future without the burden of overwhelming costs.

A Final Thought

If you think your family might qualify for Step Up For Students, take the time to apply. The process can feel overwhelming at first, but it is worth it.

And if you have questions, we are here to help. At Open Mind Learning & Fine Arts, we work with Step Up For Students families every day. We know how the system works, and we are happy to guide you through it.

Your child deserves access to quality tutoring, after-school care, and enrichment programs. Step Up For Students can make that possible.

Do not let confusion or uncertainty stop you from applying. Take the first step today.

Ready to use your Step Up For Students scholarship? Open Mind Learning & Fine Arts is an approved provider for tutoring, after-school programs, and enrichment in Miami.