Florida Bright Future Scholarship Program

In 1997 the State of Florida created a scholarship program funded by the state's lottery program known as Florida Bright Future Scholarship Program. The purpose of this program is to aid and reward high school students for their academic achievements by providing funding for their post secondary education at a public institution (and some private) in the state of Florida. This program has provided funding for over 300,000 students at a cost of approximately $1.6 billion. It will pay between 75-100% of a student's tuition if certain requirements are met.

When and How to Apply:

A high school student must apply for bright futures during their last year of high school by completing the Florida Financial Aid Application. This permits the Department of Education to evaluate transcripts to see if the student is academically eligible for Bright Futures. The student must also be a resident of Florida, a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen. In addition to meeting academic requirements, the student must also complete and receive their high school diploma or equivalent, and never have been guilty or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony.

Academic Requirements:

There are 3 awards for Bright Future and while a student can apply for all three only the highest award earned by the student will be granted. The 3 awards are: Florida Academics Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars and Gold Seal Vocational Scholars. Each award has specific qualifications such as grade point average, community service hours, SAT scores, and credit requirements. It is important for the student to start researching as soon as possible to make sure they know the requirements for each award. Depending on the award one receives determines the amount of funding.

Maintaining Your Award:

Having a grade point average (GPA) to qualify for Bright Futures is important, however equally important is maintaining a GPA to keep the award. Each award has specific guidelines for what GPA must be maintained and a minimum of required credit hours per semester. While it is easy to get caught up in the "party" scene at college, remember once someone loses their scholarship it is gone, and college is expensive. If a GPA drops due to illness, accident, or something beyond one's control; a student may file an appeal within 30 days of ineligibility notice.

Good to Know Information:

Bright Futures doesn't cover summer tuition so if a student wishes to attend during summer semesters they must pay out of pocket. This rule may change in the future if more funding becomes available. Average semester award amounts are anywhere from $780.00 up to $1900.00 depending on which scholarship you have been awarded, which college you attend, and the number of hours in which you enroll. Talking to a guidance counselor is important, many have the information you need or they can supply you with the contact numbers. Research each award, apply early, and keep up the grades to ensure you take advantage of this wonderful program that is available to Florida students.

Sources:

Florida Student Scholarship Grant Program