Scholarships

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is a scholarship program, funded by the Florida Lottery, to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement.

The program offers four levels of scholarship awards:

Bright Futures Requirements
Type 16 High School College-
Preparatory Course Credits1		 High School Weighted Bright Futures GPA College Entrance Exams by High School Graduation Year
(ACT*/CLT*/SAT*) 		Volunteer Service Hours2 Paid Work Hours2
FAS
  • 4 – English (three must include substantial writing)
  • 4 – Mathematics (at or above the Algebra I level)
  • 3 – Natural Science (two must have substantial laboratory)
  • 3 – Social Science
  • 2 – World Language (sequential, in same language)
 3.50 2024–25 Graduates: 29 / 96 / 1340
2025–26 Graduates: 29 / 95 / 1330 		100 hours 100 hours
FMS
  • 4 – English (three must include substantial writing)
  • 4 – Mathematics (at or above the Algebra I level)
  • 3 – Natural Science (two must have substantial laboratory)
  • 3 – Social Science
  • 2 – World Language (sequential, in same language)
 3.00 2024–25 Graduates: 25 / 84 / 1210
2025–26 Graduates: 24 / 82 / 1190 		75 hours 100 hours

Bright Futures Handbook (ALL the details about Bright Futures)

Bright Futures Application Handbook (Application Essentials & How to Apply)

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To be eligible to receive one of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship awards, a student must complete community service or paid work hours. Students must earn either the required community service OR paid work hours, but not a combination of both. Service hours/paid work hours must be completed with an agency, company, organization, or business.

Bright Futures Table
Bright Futures Scholarships
Scholarship Community Service Hours Required Paid Work Hours Required
Florida Academic Scholarship (FAS) 100 100
Florida Medallion Scholarship (FMS) 75 100
Gold Seal CAPE (GSC) 30 100
Gold Seal Vocational (GSV) 30 100

VHS Community Service Form

For detailed information on what qualifies as community service and paid work experience, visit Florida Virtual School's FVHS Community Service or Paid Work Handbook.

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Ready to Apply?

Step 1: Submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)

The FFAA opens December 1st each year. Your Florida Bright Futures account login information will be sent to you after you submit the FFAA. Just remember that you must submit your FFAA by August 31 of the year that you graduate from high school, or you won't be eligible for a scholarship award.

Step 2: Take the ACT or SAT and Submit Your Scores

Take either the ACT or SAT as many times as needed. Send your scores to any Florida public university to ensure that the Florida Department of Education—the institution that reviews Bright Futures applications—receives them.

Step 3: Keep the Information in Your Account Updated

There are a bunch of things you can (and should) manage once you get your Bright Futures account information:

  • Monitor your reported service hours.
  • Update your postsecondary institution once you’ve been accepted to/enrolled at a FL college.
  • Update any demographic information.
  • View your eligibility determination: check your account once everything’s been submitted to see if you’re eligible for the scholarship.

For more information regarding Bright Futures requirements, please contact the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program at 1-888-827-2004 or email [email protected].

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Financial Literacy

Annuity.org is excited to announce the launch of their comprehensive guide on scholarship and financial literacy, which covers a wide range of topics—from needs-based to merit-based scholarships, evaluating tuition costs, to planning for the future. Their goal is to make it easier for students to navigate the scholarship process and find the funding they need to pursue their dreams.

Comprehensive Guide on Scholarship and Financial Literacy

Going Merry

This table updates daily and can help you get money to pay for college by matching you with scholarships... for free! With $20 billion in scholarships in its database, there's something for everyone! Scroll below to browse available scholarships (local, state, & national) and click on the Going Merry link above to join!

College of Central Florida logo

The College of Central Florida Scholarship Application

CF offers more than 300 institutional scholarships with more than $1 million in total annual awards. CF utilizes a single online application for all of its scholarships and all students are encouraged to apply. Most scholarships require the student to demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA and be enrolled for 6 credit hours in the semester that they receive the scholarship. All scholarships require the student to have a 2.5 GPA or above.

Marion County Area Scholarship Directory

The scholarships listed in this directory are specifically for Marion County students. Pay close attention to criteria, requirements, and deadlines. If you see a scholarship that you wish to apply for but are not sure how, see Mrs. Ramsey.

public education foundation of marion county logo

PEFMC Scholarships

The Public Education Foundation of Marion County offers a variety of scholarships to local students. You can apply for more than one scholarship, but make sure to read the requirements and only apply for those whose criteria are applicable to you. Click the link above!

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Bold.org

Bold.org is a scholarship database where you can filter scholarships by demographic (i.e. scholarships for women, merit-based, florida based, etc.). I really like how on this one the filters get really specific so you can find more niche scholarships that less people will be eligible for and, therefore, less people will apply for, making your own chances much higher.

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Scholarships.com

Scholarships.com is a free college scholarship search platform with $19 billion in scholarship opportunities that matches you to college scholarships you qualify for. 

 

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