Scouting may be more affordable than many families realize. If your child receives an eligible Step Up For Students scholarship, funds may be available to help cover their Scouting registration—opening the door to outdoor adventures, leadership opportunities, new friendships and hands-on learning.
The Step Up Marketplace chart identifies Elective Courses as an available service category for Unique Abilities (FES-UA), Private School (FTC/FES-EO) and Personalized Education Program (PEP) scholarships. Step Up’s current PEP Purchasing Guide and Private School Purchasing Guide specifically list club fees, including Scouts, among eligible elective expenses.
Could Your Family Qualify?
Your child may qualify to use scholarship funds for Scouting registration if:
- They have an awarded, accepted and funded FES-UA, FTC/FES-EO or PEP scholarship.
- Funds are available in their scholarship account. For private school scholarship recipients, remaining funds may be used for other eligible expenses after tuition and required school fees are paid.
- The registration expense is for the scholarship student and meets the purchasing requirements for their specific program.
- The family can provide the documentation requested by Step Up For Students.
The Marketplace chart does not list Elective Courses for New Worlds Scholarship Accounts. Families should always confirm coverage for their specific scholarship before registering.
If your family does not currently receive a scholarship, visit Step Up For Students to explore the available programs and determine whether your child may be eligible.
How to Request Reimbursement
Families should expect to pay the Scouting registration fee first and then submit a reimbursement request through their Step Up Education Market Assistant account.
Before submitting the request, gather:
- An itemized receipt or proof of payment
- Official registration documentation from the pack or troop
- An educational benefit statement or form, if requested
Your pack or troop can help provide the appropriate payment and registration documentation.
Why Scouting Is an Educational Opportunity
Scouting gives young people the chance to learn by doing. Through meetings, outdoor activities, service projects and advancement, Scouts develop leadership, teamwork, communication, citizenship, problem-solving and practical life skills.
Families asked to provide an educational benefit statement may use language such as:
“Scouting provides my child with hands-on educational experiences that support leadership development, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, citizenship and practical life skills.”
This statement should be adjusted to reflect the specific experiences and educational needs of the child.
Take the First Step
Review the current purchasing guide for your child’s scholarship and confirm the expense with Step Up For Students before paying. Once eligibility is confirmed, connect with a local pack or troop to begin the registration process.
Scholarship eligibility and reimbursement decisions are made by Step Up For Students. Coverage is not guaranteed by Scouting America or the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council.