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Can you use your Step Up For Students scholarship to pay for a tutor? Many families ask this very question. Finding the right academic help for your child is a big deal, but paying for it can feel like a huge challenge. The good news is, if you are a Florida resident and your child has a scholarship from Step Up For Students, you can absolutely use that money for tutoring with Tutero. This guide will walk you through everything. We will talk about which programs work, what tutoring costs, how you actually pay for it, plus what paperwork you will need to get it done.
Which Step Up programs can I use for tutoring?
Tutoring services are an excellent expense under two of the most popular Step Up For Students programs in Florida: the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) and the Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP). These programs are like a special online bank account for school stuff, called an Education Savings Account (ESA). Parents can use this account to direct state money toward a bunch of different, pre-approved expenses.
It's important to note: While Florida offers several scholarship programs, only the FES-UA and FES-PEP specifically provide funding for tutoring. Other scholarships, like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), are tuition scholarships designed to help cover private school fees and do not fund tutoring or other non-tuition expenses.
The two main scholarships that cover tutoring are:
- Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA): This scholarship is specifically designed for students with unique abilities...
- Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP): The Personalized Education Program is designed for K-12 students throughout Florida who aren't enrolled in traditional public or private schools...
Choosing the Right Program for Your Child's Needs
The Step Up For Students scholarships offer valuable financial support for families who want to create a customized learning experience for their child. Tutoring is a qualifying expense under two programs that are particularly well-suited for specific educational needs.
For Homeschooling Families (FES-PEP)
The Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP) is a top choice for families who homeschool. This scholarship is explicitly designed to support your homeschooling journey, allowing you to cover various educational expenses, including professional tutoring. Tutero can serve as a valuable supplement to your existing homeschool curriculum, providing one-on-one support to reinforce key subjects, fill learning gaps, and build essential academic skills.
For Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
The Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) is designed to provide targeted support for students with diverse learning needs, such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or language processing challenges. It also addresses difficulties with executive function, offering support that goes beyond standard academics. Tutero can match your child with a tutor who is experienced in providing specialized instructional methods, including adaptive pacing, multi-sensory phonics, visual aids, and specific behavior supports. The FES-UA scholarship gives you the flexibility to find a tutor who can provide the precise, personalized instruction your child needs to thrive.
How do approved providers work?
Because Tutero is an approved provider, families can pay for tutoring directly through the Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal—no out-of-pocket expenses and no need for reimbursement. This streamlined process makes it easy to get started.
Here's a simple 4-step flow for using your scholarship funds with an approved provider like Tutero:
- Connect with a Learning Advisor: Start by chatting with a Tutero Learning Advisor. They will help you confirm your child’s academic goals and recommend the best tutoring schedule and program.
- Find Tutero in the EMA Portal: Log into your Education Market Assistant (EMA) account and search for "Tutero" under the list of approved providers.
- Select Your Program: Once you've found Tutero, select the specific tutoring package or program that was recommended to you.
- Reserve Funds: Reserve the funds for your chosen program. From here, EMA and Tutero will handle all the administration and direct payment. This means you do not need to deal with invoices or submit reimbursement requests.
This direct payment method offers significant convenience, allowing you to focus on your child's educational success.
What if I need to get reimbursed?
The reimbursement approach is commonly used when families work with tutors who aren't registered in the direct payment marketplace. In this scenario, you pay the tutor directly first and then submit documentation to receive reimbursement from your scholarship funds.
How to get your money back?
- Pay the Tutor: You pay your tutor directly. Use a check, credit card, Zelle, or some other way that can be verified. A receipt that just says "PAID" is not enough. You must show a separate record of the payment.
- Get an Invoice: Make sure to get a detailed invoice or receipt from the tutor. This document is a must-have.
- Log in to the Portal: Access your student’s EMA dashboard.
- Start a New Request: Find the "Reimbursements" section. Click "New."
- Upload Documents: Upload a copy of both the invoice from your tutor and your proof of payment. Accepted files are PNG, JPG, or PDF.
- Enter the Details: Manually type in the details. Include the tutor's name, the dates of service, the total hours, the hourly rate, plus the total amount.
Once you submit your request and all the documents are uploaded, the usual time for getting your money back is 2 to 4 weeks. However, this can take longer if there are issues with the information you submitted. One Orlando mum used her FES-UA account to cover weekly reading tutoring. She said the EMA portal was easier than she expected once she had the correct invoice.
- Date(s) of Service: The exact dates you got tutoring, including the year.
- Number of Hours: The total number of hours for the sessions.
- Hourly Rate: The cost per hour for the tutoring.
- Type of Service: A clear description. For example, "Math Tutoring," "SAT Prep," or "Reading Instruction."
- Provider's Full Name: The full name of the tutor or the tutoring business.
- Business Address: The physical address of the business.
- Provider License/EIN/SSN: If your tutor is a solo professional, their social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN) needs to be on file with Step Up.
How long does it take to get reimbursed?
Once you submit your request and all the documents are uploaded, the usual time for getting your money back is 2 to 4 weeks. However, this can take longer if there are issues with the information you submitted. One Orlando mum used her FES-UA account to cover weekly reading tutoring. She said the EMA portal was easier than she expected once she had the correct invoice.
What does "On Hold" even mean?
An "On Hold" status means there is a problem with your submission. The most common reasons are:
- Missing or Unclear Documents: You are missing an invoice or proof of payment. It might be hard to read or incomplete.
- Not Enough Detail: The invoice is missing a specific required piece of info. For example, the hourly rate or the dates of service.
- Information Does Not Match: The name on the invoice does not match the student's name in the portal. The dates or amounts could be wrong, too.
If your request is put on hold, you will get an email from Step Up For Students. It will tell you exactly why. Then you need to log back into the EMA portal and upload the corrected or missing files.
How Much Does Tutoring Cost With Step Up?
Step Up For Students scholarship programs are designed to make high-quality tutoring accessible without adding financial stress for families. The scholarship funds are deposited into an Education Savings Account (ESA), which you can use to cover a variety of pre-approved educational expenses, including tutoring. With an approved provider like Tutero, you can use your scholarship funds directly through the Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal, meaning there are no out-of-pocket expenses for you.
Tutero’s flat-rate pricing for all subjects and grade levels is designed to help families maximize their scholarship award. This straightforward approach simplifies budgeting and allows you to easily plan your child’s tutoring schedule. Whether your child needs support in elementary reading, high school physics, or standardized test preparation, the cost per session won't change. This consistency allows you to focus on your child's educational success without the stress of complex pricing structures.
The scholarship funds cover the entire cost of the tutoring sessions, so you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. This direct payment method simplifies the process and ensures that your child can get the academic help they need without financial stress.
Conclusion
Step Up For Students scholarships offer Florida families valuable financial support to access quality education, including personalized tutoring services. By understanding the application process, documentation requirements, and payment options, you can maximize these benefits for your child's academic growth.
Tutero's status as an approved provider simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your child's educational success. Whether your student needs subject-specific support, test preparation, or ongoing academic assistance, these scholarship funds make quality tutoring accessible and affordable.
Can you use your Step Up For Students scholarship to pay for a tutor? Many families ask this very question. Finding the right academic help for your child is a big deal, but paying for it can feel like a huge challenge. The good news is, if you are a Florida resident and your child has a scholarship from Step Up For Students, you can absolutely use that money for tutoring with Tutero. This guide will walk you through everything. We will talk about which programs work, what tutoring costs, how you actually pay for it, plus what paperwork you will need to get it done.
Which Step Up programs can I use for tutoring?
Tutoring services are an excellent expense under two of the most popular Step Up For Students programs in Florida: the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) and the Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP). These programs are like a special online bank account for school stuff, called an Education Savings Account (ESA). Parents can use this account to direct state money toward a bunch of different, pre-approved expenses.
It's important to note: While Florida offers several scholarship programs, only the FES-UA and FES-PEP specifically provide funding for tutoring. Other scholarships, like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), are tuition scholarships designed to help cover private school fees and do not fund tutoring or other non-tuition expenses.
The two main scholarships that cover tutoring are:
- Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA): This scholarship is specifically designed for students with unique abilities...
- Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP): The Personalized Education Program is designed for K-12 students throughout Florida who aren't enrolled in traditional public or private schools...
Choosing the Right Program for Your Child's Needs
The Step Up For Students scholarships offer valuable financial support for families who want to create a customized learning experience for their child. Tutoring is a qualifying expense under two programs that are particularly well-suited for specific educational needs.
For Homeschooling Families (FES-PEP)
The Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP) is a top choice for families who homeschool. This scholarship is explicitly designed to support your homeschooling journey, allowing you to cover various educational expenses, including professional tutoring. Tutero can serve as a valuable supplement to your existing homeschool curriculum, providing one-on-one support to reinforce key subjects, fill learning gaps, and build essential academic skills.
For Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
The Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) is designed to provide targeted support for students with diverse learning needs, such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or language processing challenges. It also addresses difficulties with executive function, offering support that goes beyond standard academics. Tutero can match your child with a tutor who is experienced in providing specialized instructional methods, including adaptive pacing, multi-sensory phonics, visual aids, and specific behavior supports. The FES-UA scholarship gives you the flexibility to find a tutor who can provide the precise, personalized instruction your child needs to thrive.
How do approved providers work?
Because Tutero is an approved provider, families can pay for tutoring directly through the Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal—no out-of-pocket expenses and no need for reimbursement. This streamlined process makes it easy to get started.
Here's a simple 4-step flow for using your scholarship funds with an approved provider like Tutero:
- Connect with a Learning Advisor: Start by chatting with a Tutero Learning Advisor. They will help you confirm your child’s academic goals and recommend the best tutoring schedule and program.
- Find Tutero in the EMA Portal: Log into your Education Market Assistant (EMA) account and search for "Tutero" under the list of approved providers.
- Select Your Program: Once you've found Tutero, select the specific tutoring package or program that was recommended to you.
- Reserve Funds: Reserve the funds for your chosen program. From here, EMA and Tutero will handle all the administration and direct payment. This means you do not need to deal with invoices or submit reimbursement requests.
This direct payment method offers significant convenience, allowing you to focus on your child's educational success.
What if I need to get reimbursed?
The reimbursement approach is commonly used when families work with tutors who aren't registered in the direct payment marketplace. In this scenario, you pay the tutor directly first and then submit documentation to receive reimbursement from your scholarship funds.
How to get your money back?
- Pay the Tutor: You pay your tutor directly. Use a check, credit card, Zelle, or some other way that can be verified. A receipt that just says "PAID" is not enough. You must show a separate record of the payment.
- Get an Invoice: Make sure to get a detailed invoice or receipt from the tutor. This document is a must-have.
- Log in to the Portal: Access your student’s EMA dashboard.
- Start a New Request: Find the "Reimbursements" section. Click "New."
- Upload Documents: Upload a copy of both the invoice from your tutor and your proof of payment. Accepted files are PNG, JPG, or PDF.
- Enter the Details: Manually type in the details. Include the tutor's name, the dates of service, the total hours, the hourly rate, plus the total amount.
Once you submit your request and all the documents are uploaded, the usual time for getting your money back is 2 to 4 weeks. However, this can take longer if there are issues with the information you submitted. One Orlando mum used her FES-UA account to cover weekly reading tutoring. She said the EMA portal was easier than she expected once she had the correct invoice.
- Date(s) of Service: The exact dates you got tutoring, including the year.
- Number of Hours: The total number of hours for the sessions.
- Hourly Rate: The cost per hour for the tutoring.
- Type of Service: A clear description. For example, "Math Tutoring," "SAT Prep," or "Reading Instruction."
- Provider's Full Name: The full name of the tutor or the tutoring business.
- Business Address: The physical address of the business.
- Provider License/EIN/SSN: If your tutor is a solo professional, their social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN) needs to be on file with Step Up.
How long does it take to get reimbursed?
Once you submit your request and all the documents are uploaded, the usual time for getting your money back is 2 to 4 weeks. However, this can take longer if there are issues with the information you submitted. One Orlando mum used her FES-UA account to cover weekly reading tutoring. She said the EMA portal was easier than she expected once she had the correct invoice.
What does "On Hold" even mean?
An "On Hold" status means there is a problem with your submission. The most common reasons are:
- Missing or Unclear Documents: You are missing an invoice or proof of payment. It might be hard to read or incomplete.
- Not Enough Detail: The invoice is missing a specific required piece of info. For example, the hourly rate or the dates of service.
- Information Does Not Match: The name on the invoice does not match the student's name in the portal. The dates or amounts could be wrong, too.
If your request is put on hold, you will get an email from Step Up For Students. It will tell you exactly why. Then you need to log back into the EMA portal and upload the corrected or missing files.
How Much Does Tutoring Cost With Step Up?
Step Up For Students scholarship programs are designed to make high-quality tutoring accessible without adding financial stress for families. The scholarship funds are deposited into an Education Savings Account (ESA), which you can use to cover a variety of pre-approved educational expenses, including tutoring. With an approved provider like Tutero, you can use your scholarship funds directly through the Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal, meaning there are no out-of-pocket expenses for you.
Tutero’s flat-rate pricing for all subjects and grade levels is designed to help families maximize their scholarship award. This straightforward approach simplifies budgeting and allows you to easily plan your child’s tutoring schedule. Whether your child needs support in elementary reading, high school physics, or standardized test preparation, the cost per session won't change. This consistency allows you to focus on your child's educational success without the stress of complex pricing structures.
The scholarship funds cover the entire cost of the tutoring sessions, so you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. This direct payment method simplifies the process and ensures that your child can get the academic help they need without financial stress.
Conclusion
Step Up For Students scholarships offer Florida families valuable financial support to access quality education, including personalized tutoring services. By understanding the application process, documentation requirements, and payment options, you can maximize these benefits for your child's academic growth.
Tutero's status as an approved provider simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your child's educational success. Whether your student needs subject-specific support, test preparation, or ongoing academic assistance, these scholarship funds make quality tutoring accessible and affordable.
FAQ
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Online maths tutoring at Tutero is catering to students of all year levels. We offer programs tailored to the unique learning curves of each age group.
We also have expert NAPLAN and ATAR subject tutors, ensuring students are well-equipped for these pivotal assessments.
We recommend at least two to three session per week for consistent progress. However, this can vary based on your child's needs and goals.
Our platform uses advanced security protocols to ensure the safety and privacy of all our online sessions.
Parents are welcome to observe sessions. We believe in a collaborative approach to education.
We provide regular progress reports and assessments to track your child’s academic development.
Yes, we prioritise the student-tutor relationship and can arrange a change if the need arises.
Yes, we offer a range of resources and materials, including interactive exercises and practice worksheets.
Can you use your Step Up For Students scholarship to pay for a tutor? Many families ask this very question. Finding the right academic help for your child is a big deal, but paying for it can feel like a huge challenge. The good news is, if you are a Florida resident and your child has a scholarship from Step Up For Students, you can absolutely use that money for tutoring with Tutero. This guide will walk you through everything. We will talk about which programs work, what tutoring costs, how you actually pay for it, plus what paperwork you will need to get it done.
Which Step Up programs can I use for tutoring?
Tutoring services are an excellent expense under two of the most popular Step Up For Students programs in Florida: the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) and the Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP). These programs are like a special online bank account for school stuff, called an Education Savings Account (ESA). Parents can use this account to direct state money toward a bunch of different, pre-approved expenses.
It's important to note: While Florida offers several scholarship programs, only the FES-UA and FES-PEP specifically provide funding for tutoring. Other scholarships, like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), are tuition scholarships designed to help cover private school fees and do not fund tutoring or other non-tuition expenses.
The two main scholarships that cover tutoring are:
- Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA): This scholarship is specifically designed for students with unique abilities...
- Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP): The Personalized Education Program is designed for K-12 students throughout Florida who aren't enrolled in traditional public or private schools...
Choosing the Right Program for Your Child's Needs
The Step Up For Students scholarships offer valuable financial support for families who want to create a customized learning experience for their child. Tutoring is a qualifying expense under two programs that are particularly well-suited for specific educational needs.
For Homeschooling Families (FES-PEP)
The Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP) is a top choice for families who homeschool. This scholarship is explicitly designed to support your homeschooling journey, allowing you to cover various educational expenses, including professional tutoring. Tutero can serve as a valuable supplement to your existing homeschool curriculum, providing one-on-one support to reinforce key subjects, fill learning gaps, and build essential academic skills.
For Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
The Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) is designed to provide targeted support for students with diverse learning needs, such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or language processing challenges. It also addresses difficulties with executive function, offering support that goes beyond standard academics. Tutero can match your child with a tutor who is experienced in providing specialized instructional methods, including adaptive pacing, multi-sensory phonics, visual aids, and specific behavior supports. The FES-UA scholarship gives you the flexibility to find a tutor who can provide the precise, personalized instruction your child needs to thrive.
How do approved providers work?
Because Tutero is an approved provider, families can pay for tutoring directly through the Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal—no out-of-pocket expenses and no need for reimbursement. This streamlined process makes it easy to get started.
Here's a simple 4-step flow for using your scholarship funds with an approved provider like Tutero:
- Connect with a Learning Advisor: Start by chatting with a Tutero Learning Advisor. They will help you confirm your child’s academic goals and recommend the best tutoring schedule and program.
- Find Tutero in the EMA Portal: Log into your Education Market Assistant (EMA) account and search for "Tutero" under the list of approved providers.
- Select Your Program: Once you've found Tutero, select the specific tutoring package or program that was recommended to you.
- Reserve Funds: Reserve the funds for your chosen program. From here, EMA and Tutero will handle all the administration and direct payment. This means you do not need to deal with invoices or submit reimbursement requests.
This direct payment method offers significant convenience, allowing you to focus on your child's educational success.
What if I need to get reimbursed?
The reimbursement approach is commonly used when families work with tutors who aren't registered in the direct payment marketplace. In this scenario, you pay the tutor directly first and then submit documentation to receive reimbursement from your scholarship funds.
How to get your money back?
- Pay the Tutor: You pay your tutor directly. Use a check, credit card, Zelle, or some other way that can be verified. A receipt that just says "PAID" is not enough. You must show a separate record of the payment.
- Get an Invoice: Make sure to get a detailed invoice or receipt from the tutor. This document is a must-have.
- Log in to the Portal: Access your student’s EMA dashboard.
- Start a New Request: Find the "Reimbursements" section. Click "New."
- Upload Documents: Upload a copy of both the invoice from your tutor and your proof of payment. Accepted files are PNG, JPG, or PDF.
- Enter the Details: Manually type in the details. Include the tutor's name, the dates of service, the total hours, the hourly rate, plus the total amount.
Once you submit your request and all the documents are uploaded, the usual time for getting your money back is 2 to 4 weeks. However, this can take longer if there are issues with the information you submitted. One Orlando mum used her FES-UA account to cover weekly reading tutoring. She said the EMA portal was easier than she expected once she had the correct invoice.
- Date(s) of Service: The exact dates you got tutoring, including the year.
- Number of Hours: The total number of hours for the sessions.
- Hourly Rate: The cost per hour for the tutoring.
- Type of Service: A clear description. For example, "Math Tutoring," "SAT Prep," or "Reading Instruction."
- Provider's Full Name: The full name of the tutor or the tutoring business.
- Business Address: The physical address of the business.
- Provider License/EIN/SSN: If your tutor is a solo professional, their social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN) needs to be on file with Step Up.
How long does it take to get reimbursed?
Once you submit your request and all the documents are uploaded, the usual time for getting your money back is 2 to 4 weeks. However, this can take longer if there are issues with the information you submitted. One Orlando mum used her FES-UA account to cover weekly reading tutoring. She said the EMA portal was easier than she expected once she had the correct invoice.
What does "On Hold" even mean?
An "On Hold" status means there is a problem with your submission. The most common reasons are:
- Missing or Unclear Documents: You are missing an invoice or proof of payment. It might be hard to read or incomplete.
- Not Enough Detail: The invoice is missing a specific required piece of info. For example, the hourly rate or the dates of service.
- Information Does Not Match: The name on the invoice does not match the student's name in the portal. The dates or amounts could be wrong, too.
If your request is put on hold, you will get an email from Step Up For Students. It will tell you exactly why. Then you need to log back into the EMA portal and upload the corrected or missing files.
How Much Does Tutoring Cost With Step Up?
Step Up For Students scholarship programs are designed to make high-quality tutoring accessible without adding financial stress for families. The scholarship funds are deposited into an Education Savings Account (ESA), which you can use to cover a variety of pre-approved educational expenses, including tutoring. With an approved provider like Tutero, you can use your scholarship funds directly through the Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal, meaning there are no out-of-pocket expenses for you.
Tutero’s flat-rate pricing for all subjects and grade levels is designed to help families maximize their scholarship award. This straightforward approach simplifies budgeting and allows you to easily plan your child’s tutoring schedule. Whether your child needs support in elementary reading, high school physics, or standardized test preparation, the cost per session won't change. This consistency allows you to focus on your child's educational success without the stress of complex pricing structures.
The scholarship funds cover the entire cost of the tutoring sessions, so you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. This direct payment method simplifies the process and ensures that your child can get the academic help they need without financial stress.
Conclusion
Step Up For Students scholarships offer Florida families valuable financial support to access quality education, including personalized tutoring services. By understanding the application process, documentation requirements, and payment options, you can maximize these benefits for your child's academic growth.
Tutero's status as an approved provider simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your child's educational success. Whether your student needs subject-specific support, test preparation, or ongoing academic assistance, these scholarship funds make quality tutoring accessible and affordable.
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Can you use your Step Up For Students scholarship to pay for a tutor? Many families ask this very question. Finding the right academic help for your child is a big deal, but paying for it can feel like a huge challenge. The good news is, if you are a Florida resident and your child has a scholarship from Step Up For Students, you can absolutely use that money for tutoring with Tutero. This guide will walk you through everything. We will talk about which programs work, what tutoring costs, how you actually pay for it, plus what paperwork you will need to get it done.
Which Step Up programs can I use for tutoring?
Tutoring services are an excellent expense under two of the most popular Step Up For Students programs in Florida: the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) and the Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP). These programs are like a special online bank account for school stuff, called an Education Savings Account (ESA). Parents can use this account to direct state money toward a bunch of different, pre-approved expenses.
It's important to note: While Florida offers several scholarship programs, only the FES-UA and FES-PEP specifically provide funding for tutoring. Other scholarships, like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), are tuition scholarships designed to help cover private school fees and do not fund tutoring or other non-tuition expenses.
The two main scholarships that cover tutoring are:
- Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA): This scholarship is specifically designed for students with unique abilities...
- Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP): The Personalized Education Program is designed for K-12 students throughout Florida who aren't enrolled in traditional public or private schools...
Choosing the Right Program for Your Child's Needs
The Step Up For Students scholarships offer valuable financial support for families who want to create a customized learning experience for their child. Tutoring is a qualifying expense under two programs that are particularly well-suited for specific educational needs.
For Homeschooling Families (FES-PEP)
The Personalized Education Program (FES-PEP) is a top choice for families who homeschool. This scholarship is explicitly designed to support your homeschooling journey, allowing you to cover various educational expenses, including professional tutoring. Tutero can serve as a valuable supplement to your existing homeschool curriculum, providing one-on-one support to reinforce key subjects, fill learning gaps, and build essential academic skills.
For Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
The Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) is designed to provide targeted support for students with diverse learning needs, such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or language processing challenges. It also addresses difficulties with executive function, offering support that goes beyond standard academics. Tutero can match your child with a tutor who is experienced in providing specialized instructional methods, including adaptive pacing, multi-sensory phonics, visual aids, and specific behavior supports. The FES-UA scholarship gives you the flexibility to find a tutor who can provide the precise, personalized instruction your child needs to thrive.
How do approved providers work?
Because Tutero is an approved provider, families can pay for tutoring directly through the Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal—no out-of-pocket expenses and no need for reimbursement. This streamlined process makes it easy to get started.
Here's a simple 4-step flow for using your scholarship funds with an approved provider like Tutero:
- Connect with a Learning Advisor: Start by chatting with a Tutero Learning Advisor. They will help you confirm your child’s academic goals and recommend the best tutoring schedule and program.
- Find Tutero in the EMA Portal: Log into your Education Market Assistant (EMA) account and search for "Tutero" under the list of approved providers.
- Select Your Program: Once you've found Tutero, select the specific tutoring package or program that was recommended to you.
- Reserve Funds: Reserve the funds for your chosen program. From here, EMA and Tutero will handle all the administration and direct payment. This means you do not need to deal with invoices or submit reimbursement requests.
This direct payment method offers significant convenience, allowing you to focus on your child's educational success.
What if I need to get reimbursed?
The reimbursement approach is commonly used when families work with tutors who aren't registered in the direct payment marketplace. In this scenario, you pay the tutor directly first and then submit documentation to receive reimbursement from your scholarship funds.
How to get your money back?
- Pay the Tutor: You pay your tutor directly. Use a check, credit card, Zelle, or some other way that can be verified. A receipt that just says "PAID" is not enough. You must show a separate record of the payment.
- Get an Invoice: Make sure to get a detailed invoice or receipt from the tutor. This document is a must-have.
- Log in to the Portal: Access your student’s EMA dashboard.
- Start a New Request: Find the "Reimbursements" section. Click "New."
- Upload Documents: Upload a copy of both the invoice from your tutor and your proof of payment. Accepted files are PNG, JPG, or PDF.
- Enter the Details: Manually type in the details. Include the tutor's name, the dates of service, the total hours, the hourly rate, plus the total amount.
Once you submit your request and all the documents are uploaded, the usual time for getting your money back is 2 to 4 weeks. However, this can take longer if there are issues with the information you submitted. One Orlando mum used her FES-UA account to cover weekly reading tutoring. She said the EMA portal was easier than she expected once she had the correct invoice.
- Date(s) of Service: The exact dates you got tutoring, including the year.
- Number of Hours: The total number of hours for the sessions.
- Hourly Rate: The cost per hour for the tutoring.
- Type of Service: A clear description. For example, "Math Tutoring," "SAT Prep," or "Reading Instruction."
- Provider's Full Name: The full name of the tutor or the tutoring business.
- Business Address: The physical address of the business.
- Provider License/EIN/SSN: If your tutor is a solo professional, their social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN) needs to be on file with Step Up.
How long does it take to get reimbursed?
Once you submit your request and all the documents are uploaded, the usual time for getting your money back is 2 to 4 weeks. However, this can take longer if there are issues with the information you submitted. One Orlando mum used her FES-UA account to cover weekly reading tutoring. She said the EMA portal was easier than she expected once she had the correct invoice.
What does "On Hold" even mean?
An "On Hold" status means there is a problem with your submission. The most common reasons are:
- Missing or Unclear Documents: You are missing an invoice or proof of payment. It might be hard to read or incomplete.
- Not Enough Detail: The invoice is missing a specific required piece of info. For example, the hourly rate or the dates of service.
- Information Does Not Match: The name on the invoice does not match the student's name in the portal. The dates or amounts could be wrong, too.
If your request is put on hold, you will get an email from Step Up For Students. It will tell you exactly why. Then you need to log back into the EMA portal and upload the corrected or missing files.
How Much Does Tutoring Cost With Step Up?
Step Up For Students scholarship programs are designed to make high-quality tutoring accessible without adding financial stress for families. The scholarship funds are deposited into an Education Savings Account (ESA), which you can use to cover a variety of pre-approved educational expenses, including tutoring. With an approved provider like Tutero, you can use your scholarship funds directly through the Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal, meaning there are no out-of-pocket expenses for you.
Tutero’s flat-rate pricing for all subjects and grade levels is designed to help families maximize their scholarship award. This straightforward approach simplifies budgeting and allows you to easily plan your child’s tutoring schedule. Whether your child needs support in elementary reading, high school physics, or standardized test preparation, the cost per session won't change. This consistency allows you to focus on your child's educational success without the stress of complex pricing structures.
The scholarship funds cover the entire cost of the tutoring sessions, so you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. This direct payment method simplifies the process and ensures that your child can get the academic help they need without financial stress.
Conclusion
Step Up For Students scholarships offer Florida families valuable financial support to access quality education, including personalized tutoring services. By understanding the application process, documentation requirements, and payment options, you can maximize these benefits for your child's academic growth.
Tutero's status as an approved provider simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your child's educational success. Whether your student needs subject-specific support, test preparation, or ongoing academic assistance, these scholarship funds make quality tutoring accessible and affordable.
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Yes, online tutoring is fully covered. The provider needs to be approved. Alternatively, you can submit the necessary paperwork for reimbursement.
No, the tutor does not need to be a Florida-certified teacher. However, they must demonstrate three years of experience in the subject. Or they need to be a licensed professional in that field.
You can send in reimbursement requests as often as you want! It is a good idea to do it every month. This helps you keep track of expenses. It also ensures you get paid back on time.
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