Hope Scholarship
What is the Hope Scholarship Program?
The Hope Scholarship Allows parents of children in public school to find a new learning environment for their child who is being bullied or a victim of violence. Students who have reported a qualified incident that took place at a K-12 public school/event may be eligible.
Who is eligible?
Any student enrolled in a public school who has been a victim of any of the incidents listed below during the 2018-2019 school year (August 13, 2018 – May 24, 2019) at a K-12 public school, any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, and riding on a school bus, including waiting at a school bus stop.
Qualified Incidents
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How do I apply?
Report the incident to the Principal/Administrative Office of your child’s current school. The Principal will begin an investigation into the incident. Eligible students will receive a Hope Scholarship Notification Form from the school Principal or Designee.
Educational Options under the Hope Scholarship Program
- Transfer to another public school – The parent has the option of enrolling his or her student in another public school that has capacity. To apply for a school within Volusia County Public Schools, please submit the completed Hope Scholarship Form signed by the Principal or Designee to Schoolchoice@groups.volusia.k12.fl.us
- Once we review the Hope Scholarship we will contact you by telephone or email to review the status of your Hope Scholarship. You may also contact us at 386-734-7190 Ext. 50911 or 50910
Parents will have the opportunity to select up to three (3) choices of public school. Placement will be determined by capacity of selected schools.
No transportation is provided, transportation is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
- Transfer to an approved private school – A parent may choose to enroll his or her student in an approved private school. The parent must notify their student’s current school of their intent to withdraw the student from public school and place the student in private school. Contact private schools you are interested in to see if they accept the Hope Scholarship. To apply for a private school, please contact the nonprofit Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO) Step Up for Students.
Step up for students can be contacted by:
Email: hope@sufs.org
Call: Step Up for Students at 877-735-7837.
How long is the scholarship?
Upon approval of Hope Scholarship, your child will be permitted to remain at their school of choice until they age out of the school. Reapplication to attend the next school level is not necessary.