Can a Hillsborough family pay for this with scholarship funds?
Gas, mileage and public transportation are prohibited costs.
Prohibited.
Prohibited; a separate $750 Transportation Stipend exists only for public-school students attending an out-of-zone public school.
Rules that apply
- Some Hillsborough private schools run their own buses and bill it as a fee — but transportation fees are not on the eligible fee list, so budget for it.
What is not allowed
- All transportation costs
In Hillsborough
Hillsborough is large — Plant City to Westchase is a long drive — so weigh the schools in your own community before committing to a commute the scholarship won't pay for.
How to buy it
Check MyScholarShop first (anything listed is pre-approved), then Find Providers in EMA for direct pay to tutors, therapists and instructors. Otherwise pay with a card, keep the itemized receipt and submit for reimbursement. Anything not listed as eligible needs a pre-authorization request before you buy; 2026-27 requests close May 28, 2027.
Build my child's spending plan →
Sources: FES-UA Purchasing Guide (FCSUA / Step Up For Students) with the 2026-27 summary of changes; PEP Purchasing Guide 2026-27; Step Up For Students "Program Handbooks and Purchasing Guides — Summary of Changes," revised September 16, 2026. Summaries, not legal advice; your SFO's handbook controls.