Quick Start Guides
Important Dates 2026-27
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar. Tap any event for details and action steps.
Applications Open for All Programs
The application window opens for all Step Up For Students scholarship programs. New families can begin creating their EMA accounts and submitting applications. Renewal families can also start their renewal process.
Action Checklist
- Create or log in to your EMA account
- Choose your scholarship program
- Gather required documents (proof of residency, income/disability if needed)
- Complete and submit your application
Priority Deadline for Renewals & Final PEP Deadline
This is the priority deadline for all renewal families across all scholarship programs. It is also the final deadline for all PEP applications. Missing this date may affect your scholarship funding for the upcoming school year.
Action Checklist
- Log in to your existing EMA account
- Confirm which students are renewing
- Update any changed household information
- Submit your renewal application before 11:59 PM
Q1 Run 1 - Guardian Approval Deadline
Complete Guardian Approval in your EMA by this date to receive funding on August 1, 2026. This is the first quarterly funding run for the 2026-27 school year.
Action Checklist
- Log in to EMA
- Navigate to Guardian Approval section
- Review and approve funding for your students
- Confirm submission before deadline
Q1 Run 2 - Guardian Approval Deadline
Complete Guardian Approval in your EMA by this date to receive funding on September 1, 2026. This is the second quarterly funding run for Q1.
Action Checklist
- Log in to EMA
- Navigate to Guardian Approval section
- Review and approve funding for your students
- Confirm submission before deadline
Q2 - Guardian Approval Deadline
Complete Guardian Approval in your EMA by this date to receive funding on November 1, 2026. This is the second quarter funding run.
Action Checklist
- Log in to EMA
- Navigate to Guardian Approval section
- Review and approve funding for your students
- Confirm submission before deadline
Final Application Deadline
This is the final deadline to submit new applications for Private School and Unique Abilities scholarships for the 2026-27 school year. Applications submitted after this date will not be processed for this school year.
Action Checklist
- Ensure all application sections are complete
- Upload all required documents
- Review application for accuracy
- Submit before 11:59 PM
Q3 - Guardian Approval Deadline
Complete Guardian Approval in your EMA by this date to receive funding on February 1, 2027. This is the third quarter funding run.
Action Checklist
- Log in to EMA
- Navigate to Guardian Approval section
- Review and approve funding for your students
- Confirm submission before deadline
Q4 - Guardian Approval Deadline
Complete Guardian Approval in your EMA by this date to receive funding on April 1, 2027. This is the fourth and final quarter funding run for the 2026-27 school year.
Action Checklist
- Log in to EMA
- Navigate to Guardian Approval section
- Review and approve funding for your students
- Confirm submission before deadline
Need Help?
Contact TopBridge Academy at (904) 385-0834 or topbridgeacademy@gmail.com for assistance with your Step Up application.
For Step Up For Students support, visit their contact page or call their parent helpline.