Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program 

This state program provides lottery-funded scholarships to Florida high school graduates in recognition of high academic achievement. The Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance selects students, and notification of eligibility is sent to high school graduates in the months following their graduation from high school. Once awarded, students must elect to begin using this award within three years of high school graduation. Students who receive the Florida Bright Futures Scholarships are financially liable for withdrawals that occur after the end of drop/add in any semester. Recipients will be ineligible for future awards until repayment has been reported to the state by the reporting school.

There are three (3) levels of Bright Futures Scholarships: Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars. Each of the three (3) levels has specific criteria for both initial eligibility and renewal. However, to be eligible for an initial award from any of these three programs, a student must:

  • Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be enrolled for at least six semester credit hours
  • Not have been found guilty of a felony charge
  • Apply for a scholarship during the final semester of high school. High school guidance offices or the Florida Department of Education have applications.

Florida Academic Scholars
In 2010-11, the value of the award is $125 per enrolled credit. To be eligible for Florida Academic Scholars, a student must:

  • Have achieved a minimum 3.50 weighted GPA (based on the Statewide Scholarship Weighting System) in the 15 high school credits required for admission to state universities
  • Have test scores of at least 1270 SAT Reasoning Test (based on the combined Critical Reading and Mathematics sections only)
    • or 28 ACT (excluding the writing section
    • or earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma
    • or be named a scholar or finalist in either the National Merit or National Achievement Programs sponsored by the National Merit Corporation

A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for renewal, but 2.75 or above would allow the student to renew at the level of the Florida Medallion Scholars. Recipients must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits annually for renewal. 

Florida Medallion Scholars
In 2010-11, the value of the award is $94 per enrolled credit. To be eligible for the Florida Medallion Scholars, a student must:

  • Have achieved a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA (based on the Statewide Scholarship Weighting System) in the 15 high school credits required for admission to state universities
  • Have test scores of at least a 970 SAT or 20 ACT

A 2.75 cumulative GPA is required for renewal. Recipients must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits annually for renewal.

Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars
In 2010-11, the value of the award is $94 per enrolled credit. This award is designed to recognize Florida’s top vocational students. High school guidance counselors can advise students about the very specific criteria and application procedures. A 2.75 cumulative GPA is required for renewal. Recipients must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits annually for renewal.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
The annual value of the award is $1,500. This is a scholarship offered through the Florida Department of Education and funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Awards are distributed in a geographically equitable manner throughout the state. Public and private Florida high school seniors and home education students with outstanding academic achievement who enroll for a minimum of six (6) credit hours are eligible. Award determination is made based on high school performance. Contact your high school counselor for additional information.

Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG)
In 2010-11 the annual value of the award is $2,425. This grant provides tuition assistance not based on need to Florida residents for attendance at eligible independent nonprofit Florida colleges and universities. Requirements for FRAG are:

  • Must be a state resident for one year prior to the start of classes and be resident for other than educational purposes
  • Must enroll full time; i.e., 12 or more credits per semester. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits for each semester of award receipt and maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for renewal.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) 
The annual value of the award varies from year to year based on legislative appropriations. The maximum value of the award is $2,069, but individual awards may vary based on availability of funds. This is a need-based grant for Florida residents who meet the state’s eligibility requirements.

Florida Minority Teacher Scholarship
This collaborative performance-based scholarship program between community colleges and private universities and colleges provides a $4,000 scholarship for minority students who are enrolled as juniors or above in a state-approved teacher education program in one of Florida’s public or private universities or colleges. Awards are available to eligible African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American/Pacific Islander and Native American/Alaskan Native students, as well as dislocated military personnel and dislocated defense contractor employees. Initial applicants must complete Form MTES-1, which is available from the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance or the JU Financial Aid Office. Students are eligible to receive the award for a maximum of three consecutive years. The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers will notify all applicants nominated for a scholarship of the status of their applications.

State Prepaid Program
Funds paid into State Prepaid College Programs can generally be withdrawn and used for private institutions without penalty.

 

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