Family Empowerment Scholarship
Approved Direct Pay Provider
WHAT IS THE FAMILY EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP?
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA) offers families a powerful way to support their children’s developmental and educational needs. Designed for children ages three through 12th grade with an approved medical diagnosis—including speech and language delays—this scholarship provides eligible families with approximately $10,000 annually to invest in private therapy services and educational tools. This scholarship is for students enrolled in a home or private education program (children who attend public school are not eligible).
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Eligibility for the Family Empowerment Scholarship:
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Your child lives in Florida
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Applicants must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 of the year in which the student applies for program participation, or eligible to enroll in kindergarten through 12th grade in a Florida public school
Your child is on an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) OR has a diagnosis of disability from a physician or psychologist
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Applicants must be enrolled in a private school or be participating in a homeschool program
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Learn more about the Family Empowerment Scholarship here.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO GET STARTED
At Play On Words Therapy Solutions, we believe in making the process as smooth as possible for families. We can provide the initial evaluation and guide the family through the application process. CONTACT US TO GET STARTED.
STEP 1: Check Eligibility
First, ensure your child meets the eligibility criteria. This scholarship is for children from ages 3 through grade 12 (or up to age 22) with specific diagnoses, such as speech and language impairments, autism, and Down Syndrome.
A full list of eligibility criteria is provided on the [Step Up For Students website](www.stepupforstudents.org).
Step 2: Create an Account
Go to the Step Up For Students application page and create an online account. Once registered, this account will allow you to manage your application and upload the required documents.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application
Log in to your account and complete the FES-UA application form. You’ll need to provide:
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Your child’s personal details
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Proof of Florida residency
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Documentation of your child’s diagnosis (e.g., Speech Language Evaluation from Play On Words Therapy Solutions, Individualized Education Program, documentation from physician )
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Additional documents such as birth certificates, tax forms, and proof of residency
Make sure to double-check all the information before submitting!
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
Upload the required documents directly to your account.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Once your application and documents have been submitted, the Step Up For Students team will review everything. If approved, you’ll be notified, and funds will be deposited quarterly into your child’s education savings account (ESA).
