Downloads
CS/HB 461 — Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program Student Service Requirements
by Post-Secondary Education and Lifelong Learning Subcommittee and Reps. Melo, Valdes, and others (CS/SB 1060 by Education Committee and Senator Hutson)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Committee (ED)
The bill modifies the eligibility requirements for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program to include an option for students to use paid work hours in lieu of volunteer hours to qualify for a scholarship. Specifically, students graduating in the 2022-2023 academic year and thereafter may qualify for a Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars, or Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award through volunteer hours specified in law, or through 100 hours of paid work.
The paid work hours must meet the requirements for volunteer hours, including documentation in writing of paid work hours and a student evaluation and reflection upon his or her volunteer service or paid work experience through papers or other presentations. The bill also makes it optional for a student to identify a social or civic issue or a professional area and develop a plan for personal involvement or learning about the area.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 35-3; House 119-0