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Family Empowerment Scholarship Florida

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Summary

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The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities in Florida is a special program in Florida where the state gives money to parents to help pay for their child’s educational products and services. Simply put, it’s like a scholarship that gives families more choices for schooling their children.

Frequently Asked Question

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How do I purchase Goally with my ESA scholarship funds?

Log into your MyScholarShop Account. Search for Goally, then pick out your tablet! Then submit your order. You can also reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

How much money can a family receive from the Family Empowerment Scholarship?

The amount varies based on several factors including income level and specific needs of the child, ranging from around $7,000 to $12,000. The aim is to cover a significant portion of your child’s education costs. HERE is a list of the exact amounts for 2023-34.

How can I apply for the Family Empowerment Scholarship in Florida?

Apply here! You’ll need proof of your child’s age, diagnosis, and residency to Step Up For Students. Once approved, funds go into an ESA.

What is Step Up for Students and how are they involved in Florida's ESA programs?

Step Up For Students is a nonprofit organization in Florida that administers several scholarship programs, including the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES). The organization plays a key role in the implementation and distribution of funds for the Family Empowerment Scholarship in the state.

Is there a handbook?

Yes! You can download Step Up for Student’s guide HERE.

Can you buy a product outside of MyScholarShop and get reimbursed?

You can buy services and products through MyScholarShop without paying upfront. You can also use other providers by paying first and then claiming reimbursement.

Scientific Definition

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The Family Empowerment Scholarship Florida program works like this: The state of Florida sets aside a chunk of money each year to fund this program. If you’re a parent and you want to apply, you need to fill out an application form online and submit it. If your application is reviewed and accepted, you will get a certain amount of money. The amount varies, but it’s usually enough to cover a good portion of your child’s education expenses.

The Family Empowerment Scholarship in Florida offers different amounts based on the child’s track, grade level, and other factors:

Track Grade Level Maximum Amount
FES-EO Kindergarten $7,612
FES-EO Grade 12 $12,672
FES-UA 3-year-old with specific diagnosis $10,254
FES-UA 12th grader with severe disability $15,381

You can takeΒ this free short survey to receive a personalized report to see which scholarships may apply to your child.

For more details on scholarship amounts and calculations, check out the Florida Department of Education or approved scholarship funding organizations’ websites.

Video Explanation

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How do I order Goally with my Step Up for Students ESA funds?

Goally is now an approved vendor for Florida Step Up for Students families. This means you can use your Family Empowerment Scholarship funds to buy a Goally tablet. Just follow these steps:

  1. Apply for the scholarship through Step Up for Students
  2. Log into your MyScholarShop Account
  3. Search for β€œGoally”
  4. Place an order with your preferred tablet type
  5. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions!

Who is Eligible to Receive Funds?

To be considered for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), families must satisfy the following conditions:

  1. Residency: The family must reside in Florida and the child must be eligible to enroll in kindergarten through 12th grade in a public school.
  2. Income: Top priority goes to households earning no more than 185% of the federal poverty level or about $55,500 for a family of four in 2023-24. Families earning between 185-400% of the federal poverty level can also apply, but will be lower on the priority list.
  3. Other eligibility: Kids in foster or out-of-home care are also eligible, without considering income

For the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), the eligibility criteria are:

  1. Disability: The child needs to have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, or meet other criteria that show they have a disability.
  2. Age: Students with disabilities who are at least 3 years old are eligible.
  3. Residence: The family must be Florida residents