Proposed financial aid programs to help students seeking associate’s degrees, high school diplomas

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Senate Bill 86 includes establishing a grant and scholarship program that would help Florida college students make ends meet.

Jaxson Iliff, a sophomore at FSCJ, is all for them.

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“Right now, I’m just getting my associate’s [degree],” he said.

He graduated from high school in 2020, and even though he received a scholarship for his first two semesters, he’s paying the rest out-of-pocket.

“Budgeting is a big thing. I mean, as a college student, money doesn’t just grow off trees,” he said.

He’s debating whether to stay here for his bachelor’s, or transfer to UNF.

“I’m leaning heavily toward FSCJ only because of cost,” he explained.

In 2020, 1,492 students at FSCJ got their associate degree, and more than 65% of their students receive financial aid.

Now, other students in this position could get a boost.

According to Senate Bill 86, a proposed update to the Bright Futures Scholarship program would include two new programs for students attending Florida colleges.

You can take a look at Senate Bill 86 here.

The Florida Bright Opportunities Grant Program would provide a grant to help students pursuing an associate degree or a technical certificate.

It would cover costs left over after financial aid, and would pay for tuition, registration fees and books.

The Florida Endeavors Scholarship would help students pursuing a high school diploma. It would pay for tuition, registration and testing fees.

Iliff says this could make a big difference for students like him.

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“Could definitely help out college students and it’s extremely helpful for us. I think that’s a great opportunity,” he pointed out.

On Wednesday, the Florida Senate will decide whether to approve these programs, and how much money will go toward them.

Iliff has this to say to lawmakers ahead of their decision: “Just make the best decision for college students.”

Cox Media Group