Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, funded by the Florida Lottery, rewards Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program comprises:

• Florida Academic Scholars: This scholarship, which includes Academic Top Scholars, pays for almost 100 percent of tuition.
• Florida Medallion Scholars: Students with at least a 3.0 weighted GPA qualify. This award pays for almost 100 percent of tuition for courses at Seminole State leading to an associate degree.
• Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars: This scholarship awards almost 75 percent of tuition to eligible students.

Students should apply for Bright Futures awards during their senior year of high school before graduation. Contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 1.888.827.2004 or visit the Florida Department of Education's (FDOE) Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) Web site for an application.

The State of Florida defines initial eligibility requirements as well as renewal requirements. Once students start receiving Bright Futures benefits, they must maintain eligibility requirements for GPA and hours completed. Students should check the Bright Futures Web site for any changes that may occur throughout the year.

To apply for Initial Eligibility the student will need to:

• Submit a fully completed (error free) Initial Student Florida Financial Aid Application during his/her last year in high school (after December 1 and prior to graduation) by accessing the OSFA Web site (Select "State Grants," "Scholarships & Applications," and then "Apply Here."). The application gives the FDOE permission to evaluate the student’s high school transcript and standardized test scores for eligibility for a Bright Futures Scholarship and other state scholarships and grants.
• Apply during his/her last year in high school and before graduation or forfeit all future eligibility for a Bright Futures Scholarship.

Students can initiate the application; view its status; update personal information; and check their application progress throughout the school year via the Florida Student Financial Aid Web site. Early application, even with only partial information to complete the application, is recommended.

Applications are available directly on the FDOE Web site. To address any problems that your guidance counselor cannot correct, send an e-mail to the OSFA or call 1.888.827.2004.