Florida Step Up · Tutoring
Florida Step Up tutoring providers: how to verify eligible providers in EMA Marketplace
To use Step Up For Students scholarship funds for tutoring, the tutor must be active in the EMA Marketplace. There is no public tutor list — the live Find Providers search in EMA is the right tool. Here is the exact process and what to check before you book the first session.
Quick answer: how to find Florida Step Up tutoring providers
- Log in to EMA
- Go to Marketplace → Find Providers
- Search by name, email, website, or location
- Open the provider profile
- Confirm tutoring is listed in their service catalog
- Confirm the scholarship type you are using is covered
- Ask the tutor about payment timing — payment processes after service is rendered
The live EMA listing is the source of truth — not a tutor’s website, flyer, or social media profile.
What makes a Florida tutor eligible to receive Step Up scholarship payments
To be eligible, a tutor must:
- Have an active EMA provider account
- Have tutoring listed in their EMA service catalog
- Meet credential requirements per the EMA provider handbook
- Be listed for the specific scholarship type (FES-EO, FES-UA, FTC, PEP, or New Worlds)
A Florida teaching certificate or college degree alone does not make a tutor eligible. EMA registration is required.
Payment timing: after the session, not before
This is one of the most important workflow details for Step Up tutoring. The provider handbook states that direct payment cannot be requested until after the service has been rendered. What that means in practice:
- Payment is processed after the tutoring session occurs
- You should not expect EMA payment before the first session
- Ask the tutor how they handle billing inside EMA — before you book
- If a tutor asks for upfront payment outside EMA, clarify the process carefully
How to search for tutoring providers in EMA — step by step
- Log in to EMA using your Step Up For Students account.
- Click Marketplace → Find Providers.
- Use the search bar — try the tutor’s name, their tutoring business name, or their location.
- Open the provider’s profile — not just the search result card.
- Look at their service catalog and confirm tutoring is listed.
- Check whether the scholarship type you are using (FES-EO, FES-UA, etc.) is compatible.
- Note the tutor’s location or service area — confirm it matches your needs (in-person vs. online).
Questions to ask a tutor before booking
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Are you currently active in Step Up EMA? | Confirms EMA registration — not just website marketing |
| Is tutoring listed in your EMA service catalog? | Confirms the service is eligible for scholarship payment |
| Which scholarship types are you set up for? | Ensures your program (FES-EO, PEP, etc.) is covered |
| Do you work with in-person students, online, or both? | Confirms service delivery matches your needs |
| How do you handle billing inside EMA after each session? | Ensures payment timing workflow is clear before starting |
Why "I accept Step Up" is not the same as being EMA-active
Some tutors market themselves as accepting Step Up scholarships, but may not have completed the EMA provider registration. Common scenarios:
- They accepted Step Up scholarships years ago before EMA was implemented
- They are familiar with the concept but have not completed the current registration
- They have a pending EMA application that is not yet approved
The only reliable check is an active EMA profile with tutoring in the service catalog.
Related Florida guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a Florida Step Up tutoring provider in EMA?
Log in to Step Up For Students' EMA (Educational Marketplace). Go to Marketplace → Find Providers. Search by name, email, website, or location. Open the provider profile and confirm the tutoring service is listed in their catalog. The live EMA listing is the source of truth — a tutor's website or flyer is secondary.
Can any tutor in Florida accept Step Up scholarship payments?
No. A tutor must have an active EMA provider profile with tutoring listed as an approved service in their catalog to receive Step Up scholarship payments. Having a Florida teaching certificate or a college degree alone does not make a tutor eligible — they must be set up in the EMA system.
What are the payment timing rules for Step Up tutoring in EMA?
Step Up's provider handbook indicates that direct payment cannot be requested until after the service has been rendered. This means you should not pay — and should not expect EMA payment to process — before the tutoring session has occurred. Confirm this workflow with the tutor before booking the first session to avoid billing confusion.
Does Step Up For Students verify tutor credentials?
Step Up's EMA provider handbook lists credential requirements for different provider types. Tutors must meet those requirements and submit documentation during the EMA provider application process. Families can ask a tutor directly about their credentials and their EMA provider status before scheduling.
What scholarship programs does this EMA tutoring process apply to?
Step Up For Students manages multiple scholarship programs: FES-EO, FES-UA, FTC, PEP, and New Worlds. The EMA marketplace is used across programs, but not every tutor is eligible for every scholarship type. In the Find Providers search, confirm the tutor's service listing includes the specific scholarship program you are using.
What if a tutor I want to use is not in EMA?
If a tutor does not appear in EMA, they are not currently set up to receive Step Up scholarship payments through the marketplace. You can ask the tutor to apply to become an EMA provider, but that process takes time. Do not pay a non-EMA tutor and assume you can get reimbursed later — reimbursement rules are limited. Verify before you book.