In 1999, the Mackay Scholarship was established in Florida to help differently-abled students have a better future. This scholarship provides financial assistance so that these students can have the opportunity to study at a higher level and create an environment of equality within the state.

Eligibility Requirements For Mackay Scholarship Florida

The scholarship is awarded to the parent of a child with disabilities, along with an Individual Education Plan, who has a child with any type of learning disability.

The prior academic year is spent at a Florida public school by the student, ORTHE student was a part of the Florida School for deaf and blind, OR The student was given in for foster care, AND The parent notified the school district through an electronic record two months before the first scholarship payment, AND Admission of the student to any eligible private school is confirmed.

How Much Is The Florida McKay Scholarship?

The scholarship amount is based on the student’s IEP or 504-accommodation plan. The scholarship is set yearly by the State Government according to the matrix number generated by the district.

Scholarships for children of parents who are not able to afford to pay for their education can be a lifesaver. The amount of the scholarship starts from $5,500 and goes up to $22,000 per year. However, this amount may or may not cover the entire tuition expenses for the child’s studies and the surplus amount needs to be paid by the parents themselves. ..

The scholarship is only available to children who meet certain criteria, including being a student at a participating school. If the child violates or endorsed any of the terms and conditions of the scholarship, they may not be able to receive it.

The parent does not validate the payment of scholarship to the relevant school for deposit into the bank account of the associated school,The student is enrolled in any public school,Florida Tax Credit Scholarship is being granted to the student,The student is involved in homeschooling, private tutoring, or virtual learning program,The student is enrolled in Florida School for Deaf and Blind.

Application Process

The McKay Scholarship is available to students who are willing to apply for it after checking the eligibility criteria. The student’s IEP or 504 plan should be sent to the district McKay office of the country in which the student will be staying.

Choosing An Associated Private School

The McKay Scholarship Program is a selective program that allows students to attend private schools in Florida. The non-public schools are not managed or supervised by the Florida Department for Education, so only restricted information on the curriculum, services, or programs offered is available. Therefore, students are required to search for a school that meets their requirements. ..

How Long Does The McKay Scholarship Last

A student who is already enrolled in an associated private school does not need a new intent to continue in the program and is re-enrolled by the school itself at the beginning of the academic year. However, if any of these conditions are fulfilled, the scholarship ends instantly.

The student is sent back to a public school, after completing the high school. The student reaches the age of 22.

The McKay Transition To Family Empowerment Scholarship Program 

The McKay scholarship will now be a part of the Family Empowerment Program, which is a part of the Unique Abilities Category in light of the House bill passed in May 2021. This law allows for Family Empowerment Program to have two sections, one based on the income-based Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options and the other based on the Family empowerment Scholarship for students with Unique Abilities.

The funds provided under these acts can be used for purposes such as tuition fees, private tutoring, higher education expenses, and other approved customized learning facilities.

McKay scholarships are a great way for students and parents of different and challenged backgrounds to enjoy opportunities like the privileged members of society. The scholarship pays for the entire academic year, and money is transferred through an individual warrant that needs to be paid to the student’s parent and communicated to the associated private school for deposit into the private school’s account. ..