What Is Step Up For Students?​

Step Up For Students is a Florida nonprofit organization that manages education scholarships for eligible students across the state. These scholarships can often be used for approved educational services like tutoring, therapies, enrichment programs, and music lessons.

Many Florida music schools and educational providers already accept these scholarships for piano lessons and music education.

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Scholarships That May Cover Piano Lessons

Depending on your child’s program, piano lessons may qualify under enrichment or educational services.

Eligible programs may include:

• Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)

• Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

• Personalized Education Program (PEP)

• Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)

Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship type.

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Step 1: Apply for a Scholarship​

Parents can apply directly through the official Step Up website:

Apply for Step Up For Students Scholarships

You will need:

• Proof of Florida residency

• Student information

• Required documentation depending on scholarship type

Applications typically open early each year and some programs have limited funding.

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Step 2: Receive Access to EMA

Once approved, families receive access to the EMA platform (Education Market Assistant).

EMA is where parents:

• View scholarship funds

• Find approved providers

• Purchase services

• Submit reimbursements

Many providers use either:

• Direct Pay through EMA

• Reimbursement after payment

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Step 3: Find Our Piano Program in EMA

1. Log into your EMA account

2. Click “Marketplace” or “Find Providers”

3. Search for: Healing Notes LLC

4. Select your student

5. Choose the piano lesson package or monthly tuition option

6. Submit your purchase request

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How Payment Works

Option 1: Direct Pay (Recommended)

If we are listed as a Direct Provider:

• Funds are paid directly from your scholarship

• No out-of-pocket payment is required

• Parents simply approve the purchase in EMA

Many music schools in Florida already use this system successfully.

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Option 2: Reimbursement

If reimbursement is required:

1. Parent pays for lessons

2. We provide invoices and receipts

3. Parent uploads documentation into EMA

4. Step Up reviews and reimburses eligible expenses

Families frequently use this method for educational services and enrichment activities.

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Important Tips for Parents

Keep Documentation

Always save:

• Receipts

• Invoices

• Lesson agreements

• Attendance records if requested

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Check Purchasing Guidelines

Scholarship rules can change each year. Families should review the current purchasing guide before making purchases.

Official purchasing guides:

Step Up Purchasing Guides

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Use EMA First When Possible

Many parents report that direct purchases through EMA are simpler than reimbursements.