Can a Duval family pay for career certifications and training with scholarship funds?
Certification exam fees and pre-apprenticeship tuition are authorized.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Allowed | Industry certification exams, pre-apprenticeship tuition and transition services. |
| PEP (family-directed account) | Allowed | Industry certification exams and pre-apprenticeship programs. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Allowed from money left after tuition | Allowed from leftover funds. |
Which rules apply to career certifications and training purchases?
- Transition services and job coaching belong to FES-UA only.
What is not allowed under career certifications and training?
- Commercial-grade tools
How do Jacksonville families use career certifications and training?
Three Career Prep Academy campuses in the Duval directory (Beachside, Northside, Westside) carry the participant flag and serve grades 6-12, which makes them worth a look for a vocational pathway.
How does a family buy career certifications and training with scholarship money?
Browse MyScholarShop first, because its items are pre-approved, then search Find Providers in EMA to pay a tutor, therapist or instructor directly. Failing that, pay on a card and send in the itemized receipt for repayment. Anything not on the eligible list needs permission beforehand, and requests for 2026-27 stop on May 28, 2027.
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Sources: Step Up For Students purchasing guides for FES-UA, PEP and the Private School Scholarship (2026-27) and its summary of handbook and guide changes. These are summaries and not legal advice; Step Up's handbook controls.