This article originally appeared in the November 2024 Issue of Pasco Post.

New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

Effective July 1, 2024, the New Worlds Scholarship Accounts Program expanded eligibility to include VPK students as well as public school students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 5 who 

• have a substantial deficiency in either reading or mathematics; 
• exhibit characteristics of dyslexia or dyscalculia; 
• scored below a Level 3 on the statewide, standardized English Language Arts (ELA) or Mathematics assessment in the prior school year; or 
• for VPK students enrolled in public school or private school programs, exhibit a substantial deficiency in early literacy skills based on the most recent progress monitoring results. 

What is the amount of a New Worlds Scholarship Account? 

For the 2024-2025 school year, the amount of the scholarship is $1200 per eligible student. 

How do I apply for a New Worlds Scholarship Account? 

To apply for funding, a parent must submit an application to an eligible scholarship funding organization directly. 

For the 2024-25 school year, Step Up For Students will be the only Scholarship Funding Organization administering this scholarship program.