What if paying for tuition, therapy, and educational support did not have to feel overwhelming? In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter sits down with Kirstin O’Brien from Step Up For Students to break down what Florida families need to know about scholarship opportunities. They talk through eligibility, how the Family Empowerment Scholarship works, what qualifies as a diagnosis, and how funding can be used for tuition, ABA therapy, OT, speech services, tutoring, curriculum, and more. They also cover recent changes that expanded access and removed income barriers. If you are navigating a new diagnosis, feeling unsure about your options, or wondering if your family qualifies, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Kristin O’Brian, Step Up for Students, plus school updates

(02:20) About Step Up for Students

(04:30) How Step Up for Students got started and the evolution

(11:40) What options can families apply for?

(14:00) Biggest misconceptions

(15:25) What can the scholarships be used for?

(17:40) Demand for the scholarships

(18:45) Advice for families

(21:00) When can you begin to apply for scholarships?

(24:35) EMA explanation and advice

(27:55) Federal Scholarships Tax Program Updates

(32:10) Success stories

(36:20) Final message