STATE OF FLORIDA FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

325 Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
Tel: (850)410-5200
Florida Grant/Scholarship Toll Free Student Hotline 1-888-827-2004

http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Florida.

Access to Better Learning and Education Grant Program

Program Description

The Access to Better Learning and Education (ABLE) Grant Program provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students enrolled in degree programs at eligible private Florida colleges or universities. ABLE is a decentralized state of Florida program, which means that each participating institution determines application procedures, deadlines, and student eligibility.

What are the Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding?

The student will:

· Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution. Questions regarding such status should be directed to the financial aid office or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend.

· Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.

· Not have previously received a baccalaureate degree.

· Enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours per term at an eligible Florida college or university in a baccalaureate degree program.

· Meet Florida’s general eligibility requirements for receipt of state aid.

· Not be enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree in theology or divinity.

First Generation Matching Grant Program

Program Description
The First Generation Matching Grant Program (FGMG) is a need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need, are enrolled in eligible participating postsecondary institutions, and whose parents have not earned baccalaureate or higher degrees. Available state funds are contingent upon matching contributions from private sources on a one to one dollar basis.

FGMG is a state of Florida decentralized program, which means each participating institution determines application procedures, deadlines, student eligibility, and award amount. This program is available at Florida state universities and Florida colleges (public community colleges).

Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding
The student will:

· Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution. Questions regarding such status should be directed to the financial aid office or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend.

· Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.

· Not have previously received a baccalaureate degree.

· Be accepted at a Florida state university or Florida college (public community college) and enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours per term as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.

· Meet additional eligibility requirements as established by the postsecondary institution.

· Be a first generation college student. A student is considered “first generation” if neither of the student’s parents earned a college degree at the baccalaureate level or higher. A student who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent who did not earn a baccalaureate degree would also be eligible.

· Have met the eligibility requirements in Section 1009.50, Florida Statutes, for demonstrated financial need for the Florida Public Student Assistant Grant, by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Program Description

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program establishes lottery-funded scholarships to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is comprised of the following awards:

Florida Academic Scholars Award (FAS)
Florida Medallion Scholars Award (FMS)
Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award (GSV)
Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC)

What are the Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding?

The student will:

• Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution. Questions regarding such status should be directed to the financial aid office or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend.
• Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
• Meet specific coursework and minimum grade point average (GPA) and test score requirements which are outlined on the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) website.

Minority Teacher Education Scholarship Program

Program Description
The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) program is a collaborative performance-based scholarship program for African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, and Native American students administered by the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. (FFMT).

The participants in the program include Florida’s colleges (public community colleges) and its public and private universities that have teacher education programs. A listing of eligible institutions and contact information is available at Florida Fund for Minority Teachers Institutions .

This program is decentralized and administered by a non-profit agency housed at the University of Florida’s College of Education and governed by a Board of Directors comprised of higher education leaders throughout the state. The Department of Education (FDOE), Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) receives the legislative appropriation for this program. The website at www.ffmt.org provides detailed information regarding this program.

Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding

The student will:

· Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen while meeting Florida’s residency requirement for receipt of state student financial aid. A student’s citizenship and residency statuses are determined by the postsecondary institution.

· Have not earned more than 18 hours of upper-division-level courses in education at the time of application.

· Belong to one of the following racial groups: African American or Black, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or American Indian or Alaska Native.

· Be admitted into a teacher education program at any of the program’s eligible participating postsecondary institutions.

Applying for an Award

Applications are available on the FFMT website http://www.ffmt.org/.

Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant Program

Program Description

Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant (FSAG-CE) Program is a need-based grant program available to Florida residents enrolled in certificate programs of 450 or more clock hours at participating community colleges or career centers operated by district school boards.
FSAG-CE is a decentralized state of Florida program, which means that each participating institution determines application procedures, deadlines, student eligibility, and award amounts.

What Are the Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding?

The student will:

• Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution. Questions regarding such status should be directed to the financial aid office or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend.
• Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
• Enroll for a minimum of 180 clock hours per term (or equivalent of 6 semester credits) at an eligible community college or eligible career center.
• Meet Florida’s general eligibility requirements for receipt of state aid.

How Does a Student Apply?

The student will demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in time to be processed error free by the deadline specified by the institution.

Florida Work Experience Program

Program Description

The Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP) is a need-based program providing eligible Florida students work experiences to complement and reinforce their educational and career goals. FWEP is a decentralized state of Florida program, which means that each participating college, university, community college, career center operated by a district school board, and educator preparation institute determines application procedures, deadlines, student eligibility, and award amount.

What are the Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding?

The student will:

• Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution. Questions regarding such status should be directed to the financial aid office or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend.
• Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
• Not have previously received a baccalaureate degree (unless enrolled in an eligible educator preparation institute).
• Enroll for a minimum of six credit hours per term at an eligible college or university currently participating in FWEP in an associate or baccalaureate degree program, or
• Enroll no less than half-time in a career certificate program consisting of no less than 450 clock hours of instruction at an eligible career center, or
• Enroll as no less than a half-time student in good standing at an eligible educator preparation institute.
• Maintain the equivalent of a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

How Does a Student Apply?

The student will demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in time to be processed error free by the deadline specified by the institution.

For further information contact the financial aid office at eligible postsecondary institutions or OSFA, State Programs, Suite 70, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32303-4759 . Contact OSFA toll-free at 1-888-827-2004.

Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund

Program Description

The José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund is a need-based merit scholarship that provides financial assistance to eligible students of Hispanic origin who will attend Florida public or eligible private institutions.

What are the Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding?

The student will:

• Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution. Questions regarding such status should be directed to the financial aid office or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend.
• Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
• Not have previously earned a baccalaureate degree.
• Enroll as a degree-seeking student at an eligible postsecondary institution and enroll each academic term for a minimum of 12 credit hours for undergraduate study or 9 credit hours for graduate study.

Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program

Program Description

The Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship (MMB) provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who meet scholastic requirements, demonstrate financial need, and attend Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University, or Florida Memorial University. Available funds are contingent upon matching contributions from private sources on behalf of eligible institutions. MMB is a decentralized state of Florida program, which means that each participating institution determines application procedures, deadlines, and student eligibility.

What are the Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding?

The student will:

• Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution. Questions regarding such status should be directed to the financial aid office or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend.
• Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
• Not have previously received a baccalaureate degree.
• Enroll at Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University, or Florida Memorial University as a degree-seeking, undergraduate student for a minimum of 12 credit hours per term or the equivalent. Applications must be obtained from financial aid offices at Bethune-Cookman College, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University, or Florida Memorial University.
• Have earned a minimum, unweighted, cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent, for high school subjects credited towards a diploma.

How Does a Student Apply?

• Demonstrate financial need as specified by the participating institution.
• Meet the application procedures and deadlines established by the participating institution. Applications may be obtained at the financial aid offices of eligible Florida colleges and universities.

Rosewood Family Scholarship Program

Program Description

The Rosewood Family Scholarship Program was created to provide student financial assistance for a maximum of twenty-five eligible minority students who attend a state university, public community college, or public postsecondary vocational-technical school. Direct descendants of Rosewood families affected by the incidents of January 1923 will receive priority for awards. It is expected that all available scholarships will be committed to descendants of Rosewood families. Applicants who are direct descendants of Rosewood families must supply the descendent information on the Florida Financial Aid Application for verification. Funds for the Rosewood Family Scholarship are contingent each year upon the appropriations made available to the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) by the Florida Legislature.

What are the Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding?

The student will:

• Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
• Not have previously received a baccalaureate degree.
• Enroll full-time at an eligible postsecondary institution in a program of study leading to an undergraduate degree, a certificate, or a diploma.

Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or
Disabled Veterans and Servicemembers

Program Description

The Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV) provides an award to dependent children or unremarried spouses of qualified Florida veterans.

What are the General Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding?

The child or spouse will:

• Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution. Questions regarding such status should be directed to the financial aid office or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend.
• Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
• Not have previously received a baccalaureate degree.
• Enroll in an undergraduate degree or certificate program for a minimum of six credit hours, 180 clock hours, or the equivalent, per term at an eligible postsecondary institution.
• Meet State of Florida’s general eligibility requirements for receipt of state aid.

Additional Specific Initial Eligibility Requirements for Children.

The child will:

• Be a dependent child of a qualified veteran or servicemember whose official military and residency status is verified by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
• Be between the ages of 16 and 22 and elegible prior to his or her 23rd birthday.
• Receive educational opportunity until such a time as the parent so classified as prisoner of war or missing in action is returned alive or until classified otherwise.

Additional Specific Requirements for Spouses of Deceased Servicemembers.

The spouse will:

• Be unremarried.
• Have been, with the servicemember, a Florida resident for 1 year immediately preceding the servicemember’s death.
• Apply for the scholarship within 5 years after the servicemember’s death.

Additional Specific Requirements for Spouses of Disabled Servicemembers.

The spouse will:

• Have been married to the disabled servicemember for one or more years.
• Have been, with the servicemember, a Florida resident for 1 year immediately preceding the occurrence of the servicemember’s disability.
• Accept scholarship funding only during the duration of the marriage and up to the point of termination of the marriage by dissolution or annulment.

The Benacquisto Scholarship Program

The Benacquisto Scholarship Program is a merit scholarship for high school graduates who receive recognition as a National Merit® Scholar. Eligible scholars will receive an award equal to the institutional cost of attendance for an in-state student minus the sum of Bright Futures and the National Merit® award. An initial application is not required.

Program Requirements

A student who is a Florida resident seeking initial funding must: • Earn a standard Florida high school diploma or its equivalency (unless the student completes a home education program or earns a high school diploma from a non-Florida high school while living with a parent who is on military or public service assignment away from Florida). • Be a National Merit® Scholar. • Enroll at an eligible Florida postsecondary institution during the Fall academic term following high school graduation.
A student who is a non-Florida resident seeking initial funding must: • Earn a high school diploma comparable to a standard Florida high school diploma or its equivalency (or completes a home education program). • Be a National Merit® Scholar. • Enroll at an eligible Florida postsecondary institution during the Fall academic term following high school graduation. • Physically reside in Florida on or near the institution’s campus where enrolled.

All students will: • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (as determined by the institution) and enroll at an eligible, regionally accredited, public or independent Florida postsecondary institution. • Enroll full-time (minimum 12 credit hours per term or quarter equivalency) in a baccalaureate degree program.

William Boyd Effective Access To Student Education Program

The William L. Boyd, IV, Effective Access to Student Education Program provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students attending an eligible private, non-profit Florida college or university. Each participating institution determines application procedures, deadlines and student eligibility.

Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship

The Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship (FFSS) Program is a need-based merit scholarship that provides financial assistance to a maximum of 50 eligible students who are farmworkers (or children of farmworkers), as defined in section 420.503, Florida Statutes. Students who attend a public postsecondary institution will receive an award equal to the amount required to pay tuition and specified fees.