Scholarships | Special Needs Gardiner Scholarship
325 West Gaines Street, Turlington Building, Suite 1514, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Eligibility includes students aged 3 through 12th grade diagnosed with conditions such as anaphylaxis, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, deafness, Down syndrome, dual sensory impairment, hospital or homebound status, muscular dystrophy, Phelan McDermid syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, rare diseases, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, Williams syndrome, or intellectual disability (severe cognitive impairment). Students under 5 years old as of September 1 and at high risk due to developmental delays may also qualify. Children in foster care, out-of-home care, or experiencing homelessness are eligible.
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Florida
The Gardiner Scholarship is a program that assists families in personalizing educational plans for children with specific special needs. Eligible students, aged 3 through 12th grade, must have a diagnosis such as anaphylaxis, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, deafness, Down syndrome, dual sensory impairment, hospital or homebound status, muscular dystrophy, Phelan McDermid syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare disease or condition, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, Williams syndrome, or an intellectual disability (severe cognitive impairment). Additionally, students identified as high risk due to developmental delays and not older than 5 on September 1 may qualify for the year they apply. The Gardiner Scholarship enables parents to allocate scholarship funds to approved programs and providers, including private schools, therapists, specialists, curriculum, technology, and college savings accounts. Children in foster care, out-of-home care, or experiencing homelessness may also qualify.
Step Up for Students
Step Up for Students helps administer four scholarships for Florida schoolchildren: The K-12 INCOME-BASED FLORIDA TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP provides lower-income families with financial assistance toward private school tuition and fees, or with transportation costs to attend a public school in another county. The Pre-K through 12 GARDINER SCHOLARSHIP helps families personalize educational plans for their children, ages 3-22 with certain special needs. Allows parents to direct scholarship funds toward a combination of approved programs and providers including approved private schools, therapists, specialists, curriculum, technology – even a college savings account. The K-12 HOPE SCHOLARSHIP for schoolchildren who are bullied or victims of violence in a public school, school-related activity or school-sponsored program. Gives parents the opportunity to transfer their child to a K-12 public school with capacity in another district or a scholarship for the child to attend an eligible private school. The READING SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNTS program is for public school students in grades three to five who struggle with reading. Offers parents access to education savings accounts, worth $500 to pay for tuition and fees related to part-time tutoring, summer and after-school literacy programs, instructional materials and curriculum related to reading or literacy. Children who are classified as English Language Learners (ELL), and who are enrolled in a program or receiving services that are specifically designed to meet the instructional needs of English Language Learners, will receive priority. Children who are in foster care, in out-of-home care, or who are homeless may also be eligible for either of these four scholarships. Visit www.StepUpForStudents.org or call 877-735-7837 to learn more.