Sen. Bill Galvano has filed legislation to permanently expand Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship Program, a top priority for Senate President Joe Negron.
Galvano, R-Bradenton, will push to expand scholarships for Bright Futures Academic Scholar awards as well as Medallion Scholar awards, which provide 100 percent and 75 percent towards college tuition.
Receiving the top award for the scholarship requires students to have at least a 3.5 GPA as well as a score of 1290 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT.
At least 41,000 students qualified for the top scholarship tier this year.
Galvano said the scholarship programs are important to Florida since they promote keeping students in college as well as on-time graduation.
“A college or university education is a significant investment of both time and money," he explained. "The permanent expansion of Bright Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships, along with flexible tuition policies for full-time students will incentivize on-time graduation. Providing an opportunity for advanced planning will help reduce the financial burden on students and families and improve both student retention and on-time graduation."
Negron largely praised the proposal, a key ingredient to his legislative agenda next year.
"These two changes ensure the permanent expansion of the Bright Futures Scholarship for approximately 94,000 students expected to qualify for new or renewed Bright Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships," said Negron.
Full and partial scholarships aren't the only ways Galvano's legislation would help Florida students.
Need-based scholarships would also increase and include community college students. The bill would also double the state match for private donations to the program.
Galvano's proposal would also create a new Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship for children of migrant families to earn college credentials.
Each college or university would also be required to provide insight to students on internship opportunities and job prospects.
Gov. Rick Scott vetoed permanent expansion of the program earlier this summer as part of a larger veto to Negron's higher education plan.
The governor urged lawmakers to push for the expansion anyway and revisit the idea during the 2018 Legislative session.
"Florida’s students will still benefit from this critical program," Scott said at the time. "I urge the Legislature to pass legislation that revisits these issues and expands Bright Futures Scholarships permanently while recognizing the importance of both our state colleges and universities in the 2018 Legislative Session.”
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
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