How to Use Your Step Up Scholarship
Getting the award letter feels like a win. Opening ClassWallet and wondering if that science kit counts — that is where families get stuck. This guide walks through spending wisely: confirming eligibility, buying curriculum, aligning materials with what your child actually needs in middle school, and keeping records that survive an audit or a high school application.
We are not Step Up for Students. Rules change. Your account is the source of truth.
Before you spend anything
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Log in at stepupforstudents.org | Confirm award is active and balance is correct |
| Read your program’s spending guide | Homeschool, PEP, and other tracks have different rules |
| Search the vendor in ClassWallet or your marketplace | Unapproved sites may not reimburse |
| Screenshot eligibility for expensive items | Support tickets are easier with proof |
Resource: Class Wallet guide · What Step Up can pay for
Step-by-step purchase flow
- List what you need — math, writing, science, electives (see grade breakdown on Step Up overview)
- Check each item in ClassWallet or the approved vendor list
- Purchase through the platform — not personal card unless your program allows reimbursement
- Save confirmation email, invoice, and curriculum description (scope page or product listing)
- Use the materials — scholarship programs expect instruction, not shelf decor
- File samples in your portfolio — same as non-funded homeschool
Denied purchase? Call program support before rebuying on your own dime.
Align spending with middle school skills
Do not buy six grade levels of workbooks because the money is there. Buy what builds:
| Skill area | What to fund | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | Structured writing program or tutor | Essays drive high school and scholarship apps |
| Math | Pre-algebra / algebra sequence | Ninth grade math assumes fluency |
| Science | Lab kit + manual with written reports | High school science needs lab note habits |
| Foreign language | App or curriculum with progression | Many colleges expect 2+ years |
| Technology | Laptop or tablet if program allows | Research and typing volume increase |
K–5 siblings? Homeschool Complete elementary programs may be eligible — confirm in your account. Guide: Step Up funds for Homeschool Complete
Faith-based vs. secular purchases
Some scholarships require secular instructional materials. If your program has that rule, choose secular scope products and save faith-based supplements for personal funds.
Compare tracks: faith-based vs. secular
Records to keep (funded or not)
Florida still requires annual homeschool evaluation regardless of scholarship status.
If you are new to homeschool entirely
Do not start with shopping. Start with:
- Florida homeschool requirements
- Parent guides for your situation
- K–5 curriculum if you have elementary children
- Then return here to spend funds deliberately
More help
- Step Up overview — full middle school planning section
- Step Up Florida hub
- Step Up scholarship blog guide
- Free parent community — ask what other funded families bought