Step Up For Students Scholarship
Proud Step Up For Students Provider
Florida Dive Company is an approved "Direct Pay Provider" for the Step Up For Students Scholarships.
(PEP) - Personalized Education Program
(FTC) - The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship
(FES-EO) - Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options
(FES-UA) - Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities
Please enroll in our programs directly through your Step Up For Students Parent Portal.
What can my student experience?
Learn to Scuba
Globally accepted certification that builds skills, knowledge, and confidence.
Snorkeling & Aquatic Education
Explore aquatic ecosystems and learn about marine life and water safety.
Try Scuba | Scuba Discovery
An exciting first experience underwater, perfect for curious new divers.
Emergency Care provider
Learn life saving skills including CPR, First Aid, AED and Oxygen administration.
Advanced Dive Education
Continue your training with advanced certifications and specialty courses.
Go Pro
Make it your career and become a Dive or Emergency Care Professional.
Step Up Courses & What's Included
Our Step Up pricing is all-inclusive. The price you see in your Parent Portal already includes the personal gear your student needs for that course, so there are no surprise add-ons and no separate gear approvals.
Why does the Step Up price look different from our website?
Here's our most popular course, SDI Open Water + Nitrox, as an example:
| SDI Open Water + Nitrox course Same course and price as on our Learn to Dive page | $650 |
| Personal scuba gear package, your student's to keep Scuba-quality mask, fins, snorkel and dive boots | $450 |
| Step Up price, all included | $1,100 |
With our regular course packages, personal gear is purchased separately. Through Step Up scholarships, we bundle it all into one upfront price, so you don't have to request a second approval for equipment.
Try Scuba | Scuba Discovery
A first breath underwater, side by side with an instructor. All scuba equipment is provided for the day. It's the perfect way to find out if your student is ready for certification.
Snorkel Certification
Includes a mask, fins and snorkel for your student to keep. Boots aren't included because snorkeling uses a different fin than scuba.
Open Water + Nitrox Certification
Full SDI scuba certification plus Nitrox, with the personal gear package (mask, fins, snorkel and boots) included.
Personal gear is included once. It comes with your student's first course that needs it, so you never pay twice for the same equipment.
Advanced, specialty, Emergency Care (CPR, First Aid, AED and Oxygen) and Pro-level courses are also approved for Direct Pay under every scholarship type. You'll see current pricing in your Parent Portal, or give us a call and we'll help you choose.
How to Book With Your Scholarship
Start with a conversation
Every student is different. Before you submit a Service Order, give us a call. We'll talk about your student's goals and experience, any unique abilities or accommodations, and map out their path from first breath to certification.
Browsing after hours? Email us at reservations@floridadivecompany.com or use the form at the bottom of this page, and we'll get back to you.
Then enroll through your Step Up For Students Parent Portal at stepupforstudents.org:
- Select your student's profile.
- Choose "Find a Provider" or "Educational Marketplace".
- Search for Florida Dive Company.
- Select your course.
- Submit your Service Order.
- Let us know you submitted it. Call or email us and we'll get your student scheduled.
Please always verify fund availability and your purchasing guide with SUFS. Questions about an individual scholarship should go to SUFS directly.
More Than Scuba. It's Education in Action
Science & Stem
Eco Awareness
Confidence
Teamwork
Water Safety
Critical Thinking
Scholarship Info
As an approved Direct Pay Provider, we're paid directly by Step Up For Students, so eligible families have no out-of-pocket costs for approved programs.
We’re committed to making dive education accessible to everyone. Whether you're interested in scuba diving, freediving, snorkeling, or essential Emergency Care courses like CPR, First Aid, and AED, this partnership creates exciting new pathways for students of all levels. Together, we’re empowering students to dive deeper...into the water, into knowledge, and into their full potential.
For more details, give us a call at (386) 663-8030. We’re here to help you take the plunge!
Student Benefits
Some of the many educational benefits of scuba diving!
Environmental Awareness – Inspires stewardship by teaching about marine ecosystems.
Problem-Solving – Develops critical thinking through underwater challenges.
Confidence and Discipline – Boosts self-esteem and fosters responsibility.
STEM Knowledge – Explores physics, biology, and oceanography hands-on.
Teamwork and Communication – Enhances cooperation and nonverbal skills.
Wellness – Combines physical activity with relaxation for mental and physical health.
Step Up Scholarship FAQ
Is there any out-of-pocket cost?
As an approved Direct Pay Provider, we're paid directly by Step Up For Students from your student's scholarship funds, so there's no out-of-pocket cost for approved courses as long as funds are available. Please confirm your balance and purchasing guide with SUFS.
Why is the Step Up price higher than the price on your website?
The Step Up price includes the personal gear your student needs. For example, Open Water + Nitrox is $650 on our website plus a $450 personal gear package (mask, fins, snorkel and boots), for $1,100 all included. On our website, that gear is purchased separately.
Is gear included in every course?
Personal gear is included once, with the first course that needs it, so you never pay for the same equipment twice. Open Water + Nitrox includes a mask, fins, snorkel and boots. Snorkel Certification includes a mask, fins and snorkel. Scuba Discovery uses our equipment for the day.
Can my student try scuba before committing to certification?
Yes. Scuba Discovery (Try Scuba) is a guided first experience underwater with an instructor, and it's a great first step before a full certification course.
Can you work with students with unique abilities?
Yes, and we'd love to talk with you first. Call us at (386) 663-8030 or email reservations@floridadivecompany.com so we can learn about your student and plan the right pace and approach before you book.
Which scholarships can be used?
All of our approved courses are Direct Pay under PEP, FTC, FES-EO and FES-UA.
Is there a cost to join the youth dive club?
No. Every student who successfully completes any of our courses is automatically enrolled in Youth Divers of Central Florida at no cost, and there are never any fees to be part of the club. Members and their families join us for group dives, surface-interval get-togethers, new dive locations and continuing education.
Questions? Tell Us About Your Student
Prefer to talk? Call us at (386) 663-8030 or email reservations@floridadivecompany.com.