Can a Gap Year Affect Bright Futures Scholarship?

I'm considering a gap year but worried about how it might affect my eligibility for the Bright Futures scholarship. Does anyone have experience with maintaining this scholarship after taking a year off?

Your concern regarding the Bright Futures scholarship is quite valid. According to the Florida Department of Education, which oversees the Bright Futures scholarship program, you may take a gap year without losing your scholarship, provided you meet certain criteria.

Firstly, you must have submitted a completed Initial Student Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) during your last year in high school, by the August 31 deadline.

Second, you must earn a high school diploma from a Florida public or District of Columbia high school, or a private high school in Florida providing a standard diploma.

Third, you have to be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. The first two hours of an online, postsecondary readiness course specified by the Florida College System is also required.

Finally, for a gap year scenario, Bright Futures recipients are eligible to defer their award for up to two years. If you plan on doing this, you should notify the Florida Department of Education of your intent to take a gap year. Upon your return, you should then notify them of your intention to enroll in college.

However, it's also important to know that the length of the deferral period may vary depending on when the student graduated high school and when they plan to start college. In this case, it is always wise to reach out to the Bright Futures office to discuss your specific situation.

Remember that maintaining the scholarship once you're in college also depends on fulfilling academic criteria. Be sure to read all the terms and conditions of your particular Bright Futures Award so that you can make an informed decision about your gap year.

Hope this information helps! Please connect with the scholarship office for any more queries you might have.