Florida is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to achieve their educational aspirations. Governor Ron DeSantis underscored this commitment by signing House Bill (HB) 1 into law on March 27, 2023, significantly expanding school choice options for families across the state. This landmark legislation eliminates previous financial restrictions and enrollment caps for the Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES EO), effective from the 2023-24 school year. Furthermore, HB 1 boosts the annual scholarship cap growth for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES UA) from one to three percent, addressing the strong demand and existing waitlists. These enhancements solidify the family empowerment scholarship as a cornerstone of educational freedom in Florida.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options: Expanding Access to Private Education
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options broadens educational horizons for all K-12 students in Florida, providing pathways to participating private schools. This scholarship enables families to seek educational environments that best suit their children’s needs. Administered through approved Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs), the FES EO requires annual application and renewal. These SFOs play a crucial role in evaluating applications and distributing funds. Beyond private school tuition, the FES EO also offers a $750 transportation scholarship, providing eligible students with the means to attend a public school different from their assigned school. This dual approach ensures the family empowerment scholarship caters to diverse family needs and educational preferences.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities: Tailored Support for Students with Disabilities
Recognizing the diverse needs of Florida’s student population, the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities is specifically designed to support families of students with disabilities, starting as young as age 3. This branch offers access to a Personal Education Savings Account (ESA) as an alternative to public school enrollment. Through an ESA, parents gain control over their child’s educational funds, which can be used for a wide range of approved educational expenses. These include private school tuition and fees, specialized online learning programs, private tutoring services, community college courses, higher education expenses, and other customized learning materials and services. Similar to the FES EO, families apply for and renew their participation in the FES UA annually through approved SFOs. These organizations manage eligibility determination, fund allocation to student accounts, and expenditure approvals, ensuring responsible and impactful use of family empowerment scholarship funds.
Applying for the Family Empowerment Scholarship: Connect with Scholarship Funding Organizations
Families interested in applying for either branch of the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program are encouraged to contact one of the two Scholarship Funding Organizations authorized to administer these vital programs:
A.A.A. Scholarship Foundation- FL, LLC
P.O. Box 15719, Tampa, FL 33684
Phone/Fax: 888-707-2465
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.aaascholarships.org/
Step Up For Students
P.O. Box 54367 Jacksonville, FL 32245-4367
Phone: 877-735-7837
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.stepupforstudents.org/
These organizations are valuable resources for navigating the application process and understanding how the family empowerment scholarship can benefit your family.
