FL H0793

Students unable to accept initial Bright Futures awards due to full-time religious or service obligations lasting at least 18 months may defer their 2-year eligibility period and 5-year renewal period until completion of that obligation, with the sponsoring organization required to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or federal service program such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps

Creates the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award for students graduating in 2016-2017 and thereafter who earn a minimum of 5 postsecondary credit hours through CAPE industry certifications that articulate for college credit

Requires all Bright Futures scholarship recipients to identify a civic issue or professional area of interest, develop a personal involvement plan, and reflect on the experience through papers or presentations as part of their volunteer service requirement

Volunteer service hours (100 hours for Academic Scholars, 75 hours for Medallion Scholars, 30 hours for Gold Seal awards) must be documented in writing and signed by the student, parent/guardian, and a representative of the organization where service was performed

Appropriates $66,468 in recurring funds from the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund to the Department of Education for fiscal year 2016-2017 to implement the changes