The State of Florida offers many different financial assistance programs to residents of the State who attend a Florida college or university. Eligibility is determined differently for each program; most high school guidance offices and Financial Aid offices at colleges and universities have the application forms and guidelines readily available.
For most programs there is some Florida residency requirement, a requirement that the student be registered with the Selective Service System, and have participated in the CLAST testing program. As always, meeting application deadlines is critical to receiving any financial assistance.
The information provided here was current at the time it was researched, but many of these programs, especially public programs of the state and federal governments, are dynamically changing. No guarantee of currency of this information is possible. We therefore urge you to check the latest available information on the World Wide Web, or call the listed telephone numbers for current information.
We are enclosing printouts of information (current at the time preparation) on some common Florida Scholarship Programs and also on free services on the Internet that will search for scholarships for which you may qualify. Check the indicated web sites for the latest information.
The following programs are some that may be of special interest to some of our Masonic Youth Group members. We urge you to research the latest information on any that are of interest to you.
Bright Futures Scholarship Program
This is a “blanket” term for three scholarship programs, the Florida Academic Scholars Award, the Florida Merit Scholars Award, and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award. Some of the general qualifications, which are all available on the Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), web site. Always check for latest requirements with Florida Department of Education (DoE).
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
Offers a one-year, $1,500 scholarship through the U.S. Department of Education. The awards are distributed equally through the states congressional districts. Byrd Scholarships are awarded on a nomination basis; you must maintain a 3.85 weighted GPA, have scored in or above the 75th percentile of the ACT or SAT and be nominated by your school. You must plan to attend an eligible Florida or non-Florida public or private post-secondary program of at least one year’s duration. Students must have established a six-month Florida residency. Applications must be postmarked by April 15th. Applications are available from the Office of Student Financial Assistance, Florida Department of Education.
National Science Scholars Program
This program provides two scholarships in each congressional district to outstanding students who will pursue a career in the areas of biological science, physical science, computer science, math or engineering. Scholarships are for $5,000 each. A committee makes four nominations from each district and the President of the US makes the final selection. Scholarship may be renewed for up to four years.
Scholarships for Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans
This program provides financial assistance to dependent children of deceased or disabled veterans or members officially declared as prisoners of war or missing in action. Residence requirements vary with the war, conflict, or event. The scholarship consists of tuition and fees for two semesters at a Florida post-secondary institution, renewable for a maximum of eight semesters. Applications must be postmarked by April 1st. Check for latest requirements with Florida DoE.
Department of Education Telephone Numbers
All in Area Code 850
(Numbers taken from the DOE Web Site Telephone Directory)
OSFA, Customer Service 488-1504
OSFA, Scholarships, General 488-1034
OSFA, Major Problems Only 488-4095
OSFA, Bright Futures Scholarships 410-1310
OSFA, Florida Resident Access Grant 410-1318
OSFA, Florida Student Assistance Grant 488-6181
Pre-Paid Tuition Fund Program 488-8514 / 800 552-4723