FL S1490

Creates the Florida College System Minority Need-Based Grant Program within the Department of Education, administered by the Office of Student Financial Assistance, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.

Targets educational opportunities to African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, and Native American disadvantaged students enrolled in STEM programs who demonstrate financial need.

Requires eligible students to be Florida residents with a high school diploma, enrolled full-time in STEM programs at eligible FCS institutions, with a 2.75-3.00 GPA and minimum SAT score of 970 or ACT score of 20.

Mandates students apply for and receive Pell Grant funds, complete 75 hours of community service, pass the College Placement Test, and have no felony convictions unless granted clemency.

Allocates 70 percent of appropriated funding to African-American students, with renewal requiring maintenance of a 2.75 cumulative GPA and completion of at least 6 credit hours per semester.