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Question:

“Would like to know the qualifications for scholarships. My daughter will graduate in 2013”

Answer:

Academic Requirements for Initial Eligibility

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program consists of the three awards listed below. Each award has its own academic eligibility requirements, award amounts and funding length. A student may receive funding for only one award. The highest award earned by the student will be selected. In addition to meeting specific program eligibility requirements, students must also meet general eligibility requirements for receipt of state aid.

General Requirements to Receive Bright Futures Awards

  • Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, as determined by the student's postsecondary institution.
  • Apply for a scholarship from the program by high school graduation.
  • Earn a standard Florida high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Be accepted by and enroll in an eligible Florida public or independent postsecondary education institution within 3 years of high school graduation. If a student enlists directly into the military after graduation, the three-year period begins on the date the student is separated from active duty.
  • Not have been found guilty of, or plead nolo contendere to, a felony charge, unless the student has been granted clemency by the Governor and Cabinet sitting as the Executive Office of Clemency.
  • Be enrolled for at least 6 semester credit hours (or the equivalent in quarter or clock hours).

Note: Beginning with the 2009-10 academic year, a student must earn at least 24 semester credit hours (or the equivalent) if enrolled full time for the entire academic year. A student enrolled full time (12 or more semester hours or the equivalent) for only one term must earn at least 12 semester hours for that term. If a student is enrolled part time for any part of the academic year, the student must earn a prorated number of credit hours.

  • A student enrolled three-quarter time (9-11 semester hours or the equivalent) for a term must earn at least 9 semester hours for that term.
  • A student enrolled half-time (6-8 semester hours or the equivalent) for a term must earn at least 6 semester hours for that term.
  • See also, Required Hours for Renewal.

A student must reimburse the postsecondary institution for the cost of course(s) dropped or withdrawn after the initial drop/add period. Non-refunded hours may affect the student's renewal eligibility.

Public High School students may access their Bright Futures evaluation on the FACTS.org Web site. This web access allows public high school students to review their academic progress toward meeting Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program initial eligibility requirements. In addition, students may view their progress toward meeting State University System course requirements for admission. Evaluations will be based on current program requirements and transcripts received from a student's high school.

Be sure to read all the information provided on this Web site regarding each award you would like to earn. Scholarship criteria is subject to annual legislative review. This Web site is updated as program changes are implemented. Meet with your high school guidance counselor to discuss your progress toward meeting the initial eligibility requirements.

Academic Requirements to Qualify for:

Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award (GSV) - The academic requirements to qualify for a GSV are listed below.

Study diligently and you may become a Florida Bright Futures Scholar!

For more information, please visit Welcome to Florida Student Scholarship Grant Programs website at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/home/uamain.htm.

If your student will be attending a school outside the state of Florida, be sure to visit their Financial Aid office to learn more about their scholarship opportunities.

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