Florida has long been committed to providing quality education options for students with unique abilities. Florida has long been committed to providing quality educational options for students with disabilities. Two scholarship funding organizations (SFOs), Step Up for Students and A.A.A. Foundation, manage a variety of scholarship programs to help public education fulfill the promise of equal opportunity. Particularly, the Family Empowerment Scholarship (formerly known as the McKay Scholarship or the Gardiner Scholarship) is a vital program that empowers families to customize educational plans and access specialized services for their children. In recent years, the program has undergone several changes to better serve families and students. This article aims to explore the key changes to the Family Empowerment Scholarship program and its impact on students in Florida.
- Multiple Pathways for Florida Families: There are two pathways for Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), Unique Abilities and/or the Educational Options pathway. The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) enables families to personalize the education of their student(s) diagnosed with special needs. The program directs funds to where they are needed most. The funds can be used to help offset the cost of private school tuition. Remaining funds can be used for a combination of programs and approved expenses including therapies, specialists, curriculum, college savings accounts, and more. The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) is for students who are residents of the state of Florida and are eligible to enroll in kindergarten through 12th grade in a public school in the state. The funds will first pay for tuition and fees at eligible private schools. The remaining funds can be used to pay for various approved educational materials and services.
- Elimination of Financial Eligibility Restrictions: On March 27, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law House Bill (HB) 1, which expands available school choice options for all students in Florida. As of the 2023-24 school year, the bill eliminates financial eligibility restrictions and the current enrollment cap for the Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES-OEO). HB 1 also increases the annual scholarship cap growth for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities from one percent to three percent annually to address high demand and wait lists.
- Expansion of Eligibility Criteria: One notable change to the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship Program for students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is the expansion of eligibility criteria. Previously, the scholarship primarily served students diagnosed with specific disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, or intellectual disabilities. However, recent changes have broadened the scope to include students with various unique abilities, such as those with rare diseases, visual or hearing impairments, and other exceptionalities. This expansion ensures that more families can benefit from the program and access the educational resources they need.
- Increased Flexibility in Usage of Funds: The scholarship primarily helps families pay tuition fees for their students. In addition, to better meet the diverse needs of those students, the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship aims to provide families with greater financial flexibility to choose appropriate educational options and services. More recent changes from HB 1, convert the FES-EO and Florida Tax Credit (FTC) scholarships into an education savings account (ESA) program which allows parents and guardians to pay for more than just tuition and fees at private schools.
- Enhanced Program Flexibility: Recognizing the importance of customized education plans, the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship program has introduced enhanced flexibility. Families now have greater autonomy to design personalized learning approaches that align with their child’s unique abilities and learning style. This flexibility allows parents to select specialized curriculum, instructional methods, therapies, and supplemental services that best address their child’s needs.
- Streamlined Application and Renewal Process: To simplify the application and renewal process, the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship program has implemented streamlined procedures. Families now have access to online platforms, where they can submit applications, manage funding, and track expenses more efficiently. The improved process reduces administrative burdens and enables families to focus on their child’s educational journey.
In conclusion, the changes to the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship program represent a significant step forward in supporting students with unique abilities. By eliminating financial eligibility restrictions, expanding eligibility criteria, more flexibility in how families use the funds, and enhancing program flexibility, the program empowers families to make education decisions tailored to their child’s specific needs. Streamlining the application and renewal processes further strengthens the support system for these students. As Florida continues to prioritize inclusive and empowering education, the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship remains a vital resource for families seeking the best educational opportunities for their children with unique abilities. For more information about the scholarship programs, contact Atlantis Academy today at (954) 415-6341 and visit www.AtlantisAcademy.com today!
Blog and Informational Sources:
- Step Up For Students
- Florida Department of Education
- AAA Scholarship Foundation
