For Immediate Release: September 4, 2011

New Legislative Changes to Bright Futures Scholarships

Viera, Florida – The Florida Bright Futures scholarship program has undergone many changes as a result of the 2011 legislative session. The changes have a direct and immediate impact on current seniors who will graduate in May 2012 and include expanded requirements for Bright Futures community     service hours for all three scholarship levels as follows:

    • Florida Academic Scholars – increases from 75 to 100 hours
    • Florida Medallion Scholars – new requirement of 75 hours
    • Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars – new requirement of 30 hours

Additionally, new legislation requires all Bright Futures students to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to receiving funding in the 2011-12 academic year and in successive years. The Florida Department of Education (FDOE), Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) will continue to determine the student’s academic eligibility for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship. The postsecondary institution will determine (along with residency and citizenship), whether or not the student has submitted his annual FAFSA before funding Bright Futures. The FAFSA must be complete and error-free, but does not have to indicate financial need.

Please contact your school’s guidance office for further information concerning the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program.

 

-BPS-