Bright Futures At-a-Glance

High achieving students in Florida home education programs may apply for merit scholarships through the Bright Futures scholarship program. Students using the notice of intent will follow a set of eligibility requirements and procedures designed specifically for students in [FL Sta. 1002.41] home education programs.

Florida families with teens are encouraged to share this valuable article with their students, as early as middle school, to allow time for research and to prepare their scholars for these important next steps.

Bright Futures scholarships, funded by the Florida Lottery, are awarded based on academic achievement. Scholarships are available for any eligible student who applies by the end of their Senior year. The deadline for all applications and submissions is August 31 of the student's Senior year of high school. Full details of Bright Futures are available on OSFA, in the Handbook, found on this page.

Bright Futures requirements for home education students are different from the requirements for students enrolled in public or private schools.

Bright Futures requirements for notice of intent home education students are different from the requirements for students enrolled in public or private schools. Home education students under notice of intent become eligible to apply for Bright Futures by taking the following steps:

1. Meeting the general residency requirements and other criteria necessary for eligibility, which includes being enrolled in a Florida home education program for the last two years of high school;

2. Submitting the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by the deadline;

3. Earning a qualifying test score on either the ACT, the SAT, or the CLT exam, and sending the test score to a college or university in the state university system (SUS);

4. Completing a minimum number of community service or work hours, and submitting those hours before the deadline.

Unlike their public school counterparts, home education students seeking Bright Futures are not required to complete a specific set of courses in high school or submit a high school transcript.

Home Education students seeking Bright Futures are not required to complete a specific set of courses in high school or submit a high school transcript.

Study the infographic, above, to discover the steps for achieving Bright Futures eligibility, and learn how to apply. Click links in this article to find important information and reach the websites necessary to complete the application.

Standard Members of the Florida Homeschool Association (FLHSA) are encouraged to watch the Bright Futures episode of the Homeschool Masterclass, which delves into the finer points of applying and provides tips plus an in depth look at how to receive this prestigious award. (Not an FLHSA member? Join here.)