Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior in Florida and I've heard of the Bright Futures Scholarship. Can anyone walk me through the requirements for the scholarship? What do I need to do to qualify and apply? Thanks!

Hello! The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is a great opportunity for Florida high school students to receive financial support for their postsecondary education. The program includes three different awards: the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS), Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS), and Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV).

For the FAS and FMS awards, here are the general eligibility requirements:

1. Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen as determined by the student's postsecondary institution.

2. Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by August 31 of your graduating high school year.

3. Earn a standard Florida high school diploma or its equivalent.

4. Be accepted and enrolled in an eligible Florida public/private postsecondary institution.

5. Be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per term.

Now, let's look at the specific requirements for each award.

Florida Academic Scholars (FAS):

- Maintain a minimum 3.5 weighted GPA in core courses (English, math, natural science, social science, and foreign language).

- Complete at least 100 hours of community service.

- Achieve a minimum ACT composite score of 29 or a minimum SAT total score of 1340 (evidence-based reading/writing and math).

Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS):

- Maintain a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA in core courses.

- Complete at least 75 hours of community service.

- Achieve a minimum ACT composite score of 25 or a minimum SAT total score of 1210 (evidence-based reading/writing and math).

For the Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award (GSV), qualifications are focused on career and technical education. To be eligible, you must:

- Maintain a 3.0 weighted GPA in non-elective high school courses.

- Complete at least 30 hours of community service.

- Earn a minimum 3.5 GPA in a career and technical education program.

- Pass a specified career and technical education (CTE) assessment.

- Take at least three CTE credits in one career and technical education program.

You apply for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program by submitting the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA), which you can complete online at the Florida Department of Education's Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) website. It is recommended that you apply as early as possible during your senior year in high school.

In summary, meeting the eligibility criteria and applying for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program can help you obtain financial assistance for your college education. Make sure to keep up with your academics, fulfill your community service hours, and do well on standardized tests. Good luck!