DeSantis expands eligibility for Bright Futures scholarships

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Florida high school students applying for the state’s college and vocational school scholarship program will be able to substitute paid work experience for volunteering under a bill signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Students who apply for the Bright Futures program starting in the next school year will be able to fulfill the volunteer requirement by working 100 hours.

During a bill signing ceremony Monday at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, DeSantis said the change will help low-income families whose teenagers need to work.

The scholarships are awarded to students who attain high grade-point averages and test scores. They receive various amounts based on what level they achieve.