Step Up For Students Scholarship Guide
Whether you're new to the Step Up For Students scholarship program or renewing your application, follow these simple steps to secure Florida school choice funding for your child at TopBridge Academy.
Create Your EMA Account
Visit the Step Up For Students application portal and tap "Apply" to create your Education Management Account (EMA). This is your central hub for all scholarship applications.
Create EMA AccountChoose Your Scholarship Program
Select the scholarship that fits your family's needs:
- Private School (FTC/FES-EO): Income-based scholarship for private school tuition
- Unique Abilities (FES-UA): For students with IEPs or 504 plans
- PEP: Personalized Education Program for customized learning
Add Household and Student Information
Enter complete details for all household members and students applying for the scholarship. Accuracy is critical for Florida school choice eligibility verification.
Upload Required Documents
Prepare and upload these documents through your EMA:
- Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement)
- Income verification (if applying for income-based scholarships)
- Disability documentation (if applying for Unique Abilities)
Submit and Monitor Your Application
Review all information carefully, then submit your application. Monitor your email and EMA account regularly for updates, requests for additional information, or approval notifications.
Important Reminder
Check your email daily after submitting. Step Up For Students may request additional documents or clarification. Quick responses help avoid delays.
Step Up Renewal Deadlines Tallahassee: 2026-27 Calendar
Complete calendar of Step Up For Students scholarship application deadlines, renewal dates, and quarterly funding schedules for TopBridge Academy families in Tallahassee, Florida. Each deadline includes a detailed FAQ to help you navigate the Florida school choice process.
Applications Open for All Programs
The application window opens for all Step Up For Students scholarship programs including Private School (FTC/FES-EO), Unique Abilities (FES-UA), and PEP. New and renewal families can begin submitting applications.
Action Checklist
- Create or log in to your EMA account
- Select your scholarship program
- Add all household members and students
- Upload required documents (residency, income, disability if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Priority Deadline for Renewal Families & 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. Renewal families who submit by this date receive priority processing and funding.
Action Checklist
- Log in to your existing EMA account
- Confirm which students are renewing
- Update household and income information
- Submit renewal application before 11:59 PM on April 30
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Application Deadline for Private School & Unique Abilities
This is the final deadline to submit new applications for the Private School (FTC/FES-EO) and Unique Abilities (FES-UA) scholarship programs for the 2026-27 school year. No applications will be accepted after this date.
Action Checklist
- Complete your EMA application
- Upload all required documents
- Verify all information is accurate
- Submit before 11:59 PM on November 15
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Guardian Approval & Funding (Run 1)
Complete Guardian Approval by June 15, 2026 to receive funding disbursement on August 1, 2026. This is the first quarterly funding run for the 2026-27 school year.
Action Checklist
- Log in to your EMA account
- Complete Guardian Approval for each student
- Verify TopBridge Academy is selected as your school
- Submit by June 15 to receive August 1 funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Guardian Approval & Funding (Run 2)
Complete Guardian Approval by July 15, 2026 to receive funding disbursement on September 1, 2026. This is the second quarterly funding run for Quarter 1.
Action Checklist
- Log in to your EMA account
- Complete Guardian Approval for each student
- Verify TopBridge Academy is selected as your school
- Submit by July 15 to receive September 1 funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Q2 Guardian Approval & Funding
Complete Guardian Approval by September 15, 2026 to receive funding disbursement on November 1, 2026 for Quarter 2 of the school year.
Action Checklist
- Log in to your EMA account
- Complete Guardian Approval for each student
- Verify TopBridge Academy is selected as your school
- Submit by September 15 to receive November 1 funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Q3 Guardian Approval & Funding
Complete Guardian Approval by December 15, 2026 to receive funding disbursement on February 1, 2027 for Quarter 3 of the school year.
Action Checklist
- Log in to your EMA account
- Complete Guardian Approval for each student
- Verify TopBridge Academy is selected as your school
- Submit by December 15 to receive February 1 funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Q4 Guardian Approval & Funding
Complete Guardian Approval by February 15, 2027 to receive funding disbursement on April 1, 2027 for Quarter 4, the final quarter of the 2026-27 school year.
Action Checklist
- Log in to your EMA account
- Complete Guardian Approval for each student
- Verify TopBridge Academy is selected as your school
- Submit by February 15 to receive April 1 funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help with Your Step Up Application?
TopBridge Academy is here to help Tallahassee families navigate the Step Up For Students scholarship process. Contact us for personalized assistance with applications, renewals, and Florida school choice questions.