Last verified: October 2026
Can a Broward family pay for coding, stem & robotics with Florida scholarship money?
It depends on the program: Unique Abilities: eligible; PEP: eligible; Private School Scholarship: eligible from leftover funds after tuition. Coding classes, digital-production supplies, lab fees, drones and STEM kits qualify, either as electives, lab fees or subscription kits.
What are the rules for coding, stem & robotics in 2026-27?
These rules come from Step Up's 2026-27 purchasing guides and its September 16, 2026 summary of changes.
- A monitor used for programming is a peripheral device (FES-UA only, once every two years).
- Class providers must meet the credential rules.
What is not allowed for coding, stem & robotics?
The items below are excluded or need approval first.
- Laptops and computers under PEP
- VR or AR headsets under PEP
How do Broward families use coding, stem & robotics?
Ask a robotics or coding program whether it lists in EMA as a provider, because direct payment avoids paying first and waiting for reimbursement.
How does a Broward family pay for coding, stem & robotics?
Begin with MyScholarShop, where listed items need no further approval, and next try Find Providers in EMA so tutors, therapists and instructors are paid directly. If neither works, pay by card, save the itemized receipt and ask for reimbursement. Something the guides leave out must be approved before you buy it, and requests for 2026-27 approval stop on May 28, 2027.
Which programs allow coding, stem & robotics, and which do not?
Each program treats coding, stem & robotics differently, and the table gives the status for all three.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Eligible | Programming and digital production as electives, lab fees and science or math equipment, and drones as elective equipment. |
| PEP (home-directed ESA) | Eligible | Same categories, though PEP cannot buy the computer itself in 2026-27. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Eligible from leftover funds after tuition | Allowed from leftover funds. |
Related questions
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- What can PEP and FES-UA pay for overall?
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Based on the FES-UA Purchasing Guide (FCSUA and Step Up For Students) and the PEP Purchasing Guide for 2026-27, plus Step Up's "Program Handbooks and Purchasing Guides: Summary of Changes" dated September 16, 2026. Treat this as a plain-language summary and not legal advice, since the handbook of your funding organization governs.