This article explains how applications are prioritized for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO).
Note: This information applies only to FES-EO. It does not apply to the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA).
How Applications Are Reviewed
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If scholarship funding is limited, applications are prioritized according to Florida law based on the student's priority group.
Providing household income is optional. However, if you would like your application to be considered for an income-based priority group, you must submit income documentation with your application.
Scholarship Priority Groups
If funding is limited, applications are prioritized in the following order:
| Priority Group | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Priority Group 1 | Students from households with incomes at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), students in foster care, or students in out-of-home care |
| Priority Group 2 | Students from households with incomes above 185% but not exceeding 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) |
| Priority Group 3 | Students from households with incomes above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or applicants who did not provide household income information |
Renewal Applicants
Within each priority group, renewal applicants are reviewed before new applicants.
A renewal applicant is a student who:
- Received FES-EO scholarship funding during the previous school year, and
- Used their scholarship funds during the previous school year.
New Applicants
New applicants are students who:
- Did not receive FES-EO funding during the previous school year, or
- Declined scholarship funding during the previous school year.
Does Priority Status Guarantee a Scholarship?
No. Priority status does not guarantee approval or funding.
Applications must:
- Meet all program eligibility requirements
- Include any required documentation
- Be successfully reviewed and approved
Scholarship awards are also subject to available funding.
Important Reminder
Household income is not required to apply for FES-EO. However, families who want to be considered for an income-based priority group should include income documentation when submitting their application.