Formerly the John M. McKay Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Program Overview
The Family Empowerment Scholarship - Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is Florida’s school choice program for students with disabilities. Effective July 1, 2022, the former John M. McKay Scholarship Program transitioned into this enhanced program, continuing to provide educational options for eligible students.
Key Benefits
- Financial Support for private school tuition or public school choice
- Continuity for existing McKay Scholarship recipients
- Expanded Options through the Family Empowerment Scholarship framework
- Personalized Education paths for students with unique abilities
Eligibility Requirements
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for the FES-UA program, a student must:
- Have a Documented Disability
- Active Individual Education Plan (IEP)
- OR 504 Plan
- From a Florida public school district
- Meet Residency Requirements
- Florida resident
- Legal U.S. residence status
- Age Requirements
- 3 years old or older
- Not yet 22 years old (or graduated high school)
- Previous Enrollment (for most applicants)
- Attended Florida public school for the prior year
- OR received the scholarship in previous year
- OR entering kindergarten or first grade
Required Documentation
- Current IEP or 504 Plan
- Proof of Florida residency
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- Previous school records (if applicable)
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Review the requirements above
- Consult with your child’s current school
- Contact Lake County School Choice Office for guidance
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Collect all required documentation
- Ensure IEP/504 Plan is current and active
- Prepare proof of residency
Step 3: Submit Application
- Primary Application Period: Spring 2026 (for 2026-2027 school year)
- Rolling Applications: Accepted throughout the year based on funding availability
- Apply Through: Step Up For Students portal
Step 4: School Selection
- Choose from participating private schools
- OR select a different public school option
- Confirm school acceptance of FES-UA funds
Step 5: Funding & Enrollment
- Receive scholarship award notification
- Complete enrollment at chosen school
- Funds disbursed directly to school
Important Dates 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2026 | Priority application period opens |
| April 30, 2026 | Recommended submission deadline |
| June 15, 2026 | Final deadline for fall enrollment |
| July 1, 2026 | Scholarship awards announced |
| August 2026 | 2026-2027 school year begins |
Lake County Resources
Local Contacts
- Lake County School Choice Office
- Phone: (352) 253-6550
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 201 West Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778
- Lake County ESE Department
- Phone: (352) 253-6555
- Specialized support for students with disabilities
www.lake.k12.fl.us/page/family-empowerment
Participating Schools in Lake County
Note: Verify current participation annually
- Multiple private schools throughout Lake County
- Charter school options
- Public school choice within district
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to the McKay Scholarship?
A: The McKay Scholarship was integrated into the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program under the Unique Abilities category (FES-UA) effective July 1, 2022. All benefits and eligibility requirements continue under the new program name.
Q: Can current McKay Scholarship recipients continue?
A: Yes! All existing McKay Scholarship recipients automatically transitioned to FES-UA and continue receiving their scholarships without interruption.
Q: How much funding is available?
A: Funding amounts vary based on:
- Student’s disability category
- Grade level
- Chosen educational setting
- Current state funding formulas
Q: What can the scholarship funds be used for?
A: Funds can be used for:
- Private school tuition and fees
- Tutoring services
- Educational therapies
- Curriculum materials
- Technology and assistive devices
- Transportation (limited circumstances)
Q: How do I apply as a Lake County resident?
A: Lake County residents follow the same state application process but should:
- Contact Lake County School Choice Office for local guidance
- Ensure documentation meets Lake County requirements
- Consider local school options and deadlines
Essential Resources
Official State Resources
-
Florida Department of Education - FES-UA
- Official program information
- State regulations and guidelines
- Contact information
-
- Scholarship administrator
- Application portal
- Parent resources and support
-
FES-UA Family Handbook (2025-2026)
- Comprehensive program guide
- Purchasing guidelines
- Frequently asked questions
Lake County Specific
-
Lake County School District Website
- Local policies and procedures
- School directory
- Important dates and deadlines
-
Florida School Choice Resource Center
- Comparison tools for schools
- Parent testimonials
- Decision-making resources
Contact & Support
Immediate Assistance
- Step Up For Students Helpline: 1-877-735-7837
- Florida DOE School Choice Office: (850) 245-0505
- Lake County School Choice: (352) 253-6550
Online Support
- Email: [email protected]
- Live Chat: Available on Step Up For Students website
- Parent Portal: Manage applications and documents online
In-Person Help
- Lake County Parent Information Sessions (Monthly)
- School Choice Fairs (Spring and Fall)
- Individual Consultations by appointment
Important Notes
Program Updates
- Information is current as of February 2026
- Program details may change with legislative updates
- Always verify with official sources before making decisions
Compliance Requirements
- Annual renewal required for continuing students
- Documentation must be kept current
- School participation may change annually
Privacy & Security
- Protect personal information during application process
- Use secure portals for document submission
- Report suspicious activity to program administrators
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about the FES-UA program. It is not an official government document. For authoritative information, always refer to the Florida Department of Education and Step Up For Students. Program details, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts are subject to change based on Florida legislation and Department of Education policies.