Today, Governor Rick Scott signed SB 4, which permanently expands Bright Futures scholarships and improves Florida’s higher education system.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Since taking office, Governor Scott has championed major investments in Florida’s higher education system and challenged colleges and universities to become more affordable while fully preparing students for future careers. Under the Governor’s leadership, Florida has held the line on tuition for six years. Last week, Governor Scott also announced that U.S. News & World Report ranked Florida as the best state in the nation for higher education for the second year in a row.
Governor Scott said, “The Bright Futures Scholarship Program provides students from across the state with the resources they need to get a college education and begin successful careers. Today, I am signing legislation to permanently expand Bright Futures to cover 100 percent of tuition for Florida Academic Scholars and 75 percent for Florida Medallion Scholars, which is great news for our students. I have also fought vigorously to make sure the Bright Futures program covers summer classes, and I am proud that is accomplished through this bill. This bill also supports my “Finish in Four, Save More” goal by requiring universities to continue focusing on helping students graduate on time with the experience they need to get a great paying job. I appreciate Senate President Negron for his work on this legislation. President Negron has been a great advocate for making our higher education system the best in the country, and I am thankful for his focus on Florida’s students.”
The legislation signed by Governor Scott today includes:
- Permanently expanding the Bright Futures scholarships to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees for Florida Academic Scholars and 75 percent for Florida Medallion Scholars;
- Expanding the Bright Futures scholarships to cover summer courses for Florida Academic Scholars beginning summer 2018 and Florida Medallion Scholars beginning in 2019, which the Governor has called for;
- Strengthening performance funding metrics for graduation rates, changing standards from six-years to four-years to complete a degree, which will ensure state universities continue to focus on helping students graduate on time; and
- Requiring state universities to find internship opportunities for students, which will help students better prepare to enter the workforce and find jobs in high-demand fields upon graduation.
To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.