Transferring Between Step Up and AAA
How to switch Scholarship Funding Organizations
Same scholarship, different administrator. Here's how the transfer works.
💡 Quick Answer: Can I Transfer SFOs?
Yes. Both SFOs administer the same FES-UA scholarship — the eligibility and funding come from the state; the SFOs differ in platforms and processes. To transfer, apply at the new SFO as a "New" student. Your existing funds will transfer (expect several weeks). Renewal-status is preserved — renewing families don't lose priority. Be aware of application deadlines: Feb 1 priority, April 30 renewal, Nov 15 new.
Families sometimes need to switch between Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs). Maybe your application was denied at one and you want to try the other. Maybe you prefer a different platform. Maybe you're exploring alternatives.
Whatever the reason, transferring between Step Up For Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation is possible. This guide walks through the process, timing, and what to expect.
Why Families Consider Transferring
Application denied at one SFO
If Step Up denied your application, you can apply to AAA. If AAA denied you, you can try Step Up. Both administer the same FES-UA scholarship under state rules — but they process applications independently. A denial at one doesn't automatically mean denial at the other.
Platform preferences
Step Up uses EMA (ClassWallet) with direct pay through Find Providers and MyScholarShop. AAA uses SMP with a reimbursement model. Some families prefer one workflow over the other.
Reapplication after declining or being denied
If you previously declined a scholarship offer or were denied and your circumstances have changed, applying to the other SFO is an option.
Both SFOs Administer the Same Scholarship
This is important: FES-UA is a state scholarship. The eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and approved expense categories are set by Florida law (Statute 1002.394).
Step Up and AAA are Scholarship Funding Organizations approved by the state to administer the program. They handle applications, distribute funds, and verify expenses — but the underlying scholarship is identical.
Transferring doesn't change your eligibility or your matrix code. It changes who processes your paperwork and how you access your funds.
Key Differences Between the SFOs
| Feature | Step Up For Students | AAA Scholarship Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | EMA (ClassWallet) | SMP (Scholarship Management Portal) |
| Payment model | Direct pay — provider bills account | Reimbursement — parent pays, then gets repaid |
| Provider marketplace | Find Providers + MyScholarShop | Approved provider list |
| Parent workflow | Add to cart, reserve, provider invoices | Pay out-of-pocket, submit docs, await repayment |
Step Up/EMA:
You never pay out-of-pocket for approved services. Provider bills your FES-UA account directly.
AAA/SMP:
You pay first, then submit for reimbursement. Turnaround time varies.
Neither is inherently better — it depends on your family's cash flow and preferences. For a detailed comparison, see our Step Up vs AAA Scholarship Foundation guide.
The Transfer Process Step-by-Step
Apply at the new SFO as a "New" student
Even if you've been on FES-UA for years with the other SFO, you apply to the new one as a new student. The new SFO will verify your existing scholarship status with the state.
- • To apply to Step Up: stepupforstudents.org
- • To apply to AAA: aaascholarships.org
Provide documentation
You'll need the same documentation you originally provided:
- • Proof of Florida residency
- • Child's birth certificate or proof of age
- • Disability documentation (diagnosis, IEP, or evaluation)
- • Current contact information
FLDOE notifies the new SFO
The Florida Department of Education maintains records of scholarship status. When you apply to a new SFO, they'll verify whether you're a renewing student or truly new to FES-UA.
Funds transfer
Your existing balance transfers from the old SFO to the new one. This isn't instant — expect several weeks for the transfer to complete. During this time, you may have limited access to funds.
Notify your current providers
Let any ongoing providers know about the switch:
Moving from Step Up to AAA:
- • Providers who billed through EMA will need to shift to reimbursement documentation
- • You'll pay the provider directly and submit to AAA for repayment
Moving from AAA to Step Up:
- • Providers can enroll in EMA's Find Providers network
- • Once enrolled, they can bill your account directly
Renewal-Status Preservation
If you're a renewing FES-UA family (meaning you've received the scholarship before), you don't lose that status by transferring.
The state tracks renewal status, not the SFO. When you apply to the new SFO, you'll be processed as a renewal — which typically means:
- ✓ Priority in the application queue
- ✓ Continuity of matrix code
- ✓ Preserved eligibility
You're not starting over.
Deadlines Apply
The same deadlines apply whether you're transferring or applying fresh:
| Deadline | Type |
|---|---|
| February 1 | Priority deadline for best chance of approval |
| April 30 | Renewal deadline for existing FES-UA families |
| November 15 | Final deadline for new applicants (current school year) |
If you're mid-year and want to transfer, apply as soon as possible. Processing takes time, and you want to minimize gaps in fund access.
What to Do About Pending Invoices
If you have pending invoices at the SFO you're leaving:
At Step Up (EMA):
- • Complete any pending orders before transferring
- • Invoices in "Pending" status should be resolved before you leave
- • Once funds transfer, pending invoices at Step Up may be canceled
At AAA (SMP):
- • Submit all reimbursement requests before initiating transfer
- • Ensure pending reimbursements are paid out
- • Outstanding requests may not transfer
Best practice: Clean up your account before transferring. Pay any pending invoices, submit all reimbursement requests, and start fresh at the new SFO.
Tutoring With Us During a Transfer
We can serve families at either SFO:
Step Up families:
We're enrolled in EMA's Find Providers network. We bill your account directly through ClassWallet. You pay nothing out-of-pocket.
AAA families:
We can work with the reimbursement model. You'd pay us directly, and we provide documentation for your AAA submission. It requires more paperwork on your end, but it works.
During the transfer window:
If you're between SFOs and funds are temporarily inaccessible, contact us. We can discuss options for continuity of service.
Families in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota have successfully transferred between SFOs while maintaining tutoring services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer from Step Up to AAA?
Yes. Apply to AAA as a new student. Your existing funds and renewal status will transfer.
Can I transfer from AAA to Step Up?
Yes. Apply to Step Up as a new student. Same process.
Will I lose my renewal status?
No. The state tracks renewal status, not the SFO. You'll be processed as a renewal at the new SFO.
How long does the transfer take?
Several weeks. Plan for a gap in fund access during the transition.
Will my funds transfer?
Yes. Your balance transfers from the old SFO to the new one.
Do I need to resubmit documentation?
Yes. The new SFO will need your disability documentation, residency proof, and other standard paperwork.
What happens to pending invoices?
Resolve them before transferring. Pending invoices at the old SFO may not transfer.
Can I use both SFOs at the same time?
No. You can only be enrolled with one SFO at a time for FES-UA.
Is there a fee to transfer?
No. Transferring is free.
Should I transfer?
That depends on your reasons. If you're happy with your current SFO, there's no need. If you prefer a different platform or had issues with one SFO, transferring is a legitimate option.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're with Step Up or AAA — or transferring between them — we can help your child get the tutoring support they need.
Book a Free Consultation →Sources: Florida Statutes 1002.394, Step Up For Students, AAA Scholarship Foundation
Last updated: May 2026