Bright Futures Scholarships have been under review for two years by the Legislature, although neither of the proposed bills passed. However, the original bill which passed in 1997 gave DOE the rule making authority to set test scores after the transitional year. I pushed for the 1997 language to provide a way for home educators to qualify for the Merit scholarship with a 970 SAT score if the parent could verify the 15 core courses required for public schools. In three years not one home-school parent has tried to qualify a child by this method. So after careful review by DOE, beginning with the 2000-2001 school year, home school students will now qualify under the other option that was included in the transition language. With a 1070 SAT score, home-educated students do not have to verify any coursework or GPA and they will automatically qualify for the Merit Scholarship.

If a parent thinks that their home educated student will never attend a state postsecondary program, it is still wise to apply for the scholarships anyway. It is a simple process, requiring only a letter from the school district that the student was in a home education program for 11th and 12th grades, an SAT score and a signature. It is an easy way to earn college money, provided that the student enrolls in a Florida college within 3 years. The Academic scholarship, which requires a 1270 SAT score, pays all the tuition and provides $600 per year for books and the Merit scholarship provides 75% of the tuition at a Florida public college or university. If the student does not qualify his senior year, the opportunity will be lost. It is a good insurance policy for your child's education. For more information call toll-free 1-888-827-2004 or visit the website at www.firn.edu/doe/bin00072