Hi, I'm a high school junior from Florida, and I've heard a lot of good things about the Bright Futures Scholarship. Can someone help me understand the different scholarship tiers and their respective requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores? Also, are there any other criteria I should be aware of? Thanks in advance!
Hi there! The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is indeed a great opportunity for students in Florida. It has four award levels: the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS), the Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS), the Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC), and the Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV).
1. Florida Academic Scholars (FAS):
- GPA: 3.5 weighted GPA using the Bright Futures core course requirements (16 required credits)
- Test Scores: SAT 1340 or ACT 29
- Service Hours: 100 volunteer or work hours
2. Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS):
- GPA: 3.0 weighted GPA using the Bright Futures core course requirements (16 required credits)
- Test Scores: SAT 1210 or ACT 25
- Service Hours: 75 volunteer hours or 100 work hours
For both FAS and FMS awards, students must earn a standard high school diploma, have no felony convictions or disqualifying offenses, and be a Florida resident.
3. Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC):
- Earn at least 5 postsecondary credit hours through CAPE Industry Certifications
- Service Hours: 100 volunteer or work hours
- Meet the same general eligibility outlined for FAS and FMS, including having no felony convictions, a standard high school diploma, and Florida residency
4. Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV):
- GPA: 3.0 weighted GPA using the Bright Futures core course requirements (16 required credits) and a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses
- Complete at least 3 CTE course credits in a single career education program
- Test Scores: Pass two sections of the Florida Basic Skills Exam or submit qualifying scores on an equivalent exam (like SAT, ACT, PERT)
- Service Hours: 30 volunteer hours or 100 work hours
- Meet the same general eligibility outlined for FAS and FMS, including having no felony convictions, a standard high school diploma, and Florida residency
Remember, these requirements may change, so it's essential to check the Florida Department of Education's website for the most up-to-date information.
Best of luck in your junior year and pursuing the Bright Futures Scholarship!
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