Bright Futures Scholarship Could be Enlarged Thanks to Democrat Initiative

The ‘Bright Futures’ scholarship, Florida’s flagship public scholarship program, could soon be boosted due to a recent proposal by Democrats in the Florida House of Representatives. 

Representatives Kevin Chambliss (D-117) and Dan Daley (D-96) filed a bill that would grant additional funds for book purchases to certain Bright Futures scholarship recipients.

If passed, the law would grant recipients of the Bright Futures Academic Scholars award $300 dollars each semester for textbooks and educational expenses.

Bright Future’s first and second tier scholarships are the academic scholars and the medallion scholars awards, respectively. 

Currently, the Academic Scholars awards covers 100 percent of tuition at a four-year university, while Medallion Scholars covers 75 percent or 100 percent tuition at a two-year college for eligible students.

Both scholarships are highly coveted and cherished by aspiring college students, active students, and families seeking to send their children to school in Florida. Eligibility is determined by the Florida Legislature, who have set rigorous academic and standardized test result standards. 

However, Hispanic students can automatically gain eligibility for either award if they are recognized as scholars by the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition program.  

Last August, Representative Jervonte Edmonds (D) filed a bill to expand automatic eligibility for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship. 

Representative Jervonte Edmons’ bill would broaden the preferential treatment given to distinguished Hispanic students to all distinguished minority students. If approved, the bill would go into effect next academic year. 

Two years ago, Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) and other Democrats slammed Senate Republicans who pursued a bill that would reshape Florida’s Bright Futures college scholarship.

The failed legislation, SB86, would have determined the amount of aid students can receive for their awards depending on the student’s academic pursuits.