The Florida College System is the primary access point to higher education for recent high school graduates living in Florida. There are 28 colleges within the Florida College System, they respond quickly and efficiently to meet the demand of local employers by aligning certificate and degree programs with regional workforce needs. With an array of programs and services, these colleges serve individuals, communities and the state with low-cost, high-quality education opportunities.

Florida Colleges 

Students who have a clear-cut career goal and would like to get into the job market quickly, should consider enrolling in a technical college. Technical colleges (also called trade schools) have an emphasis on hands-on training for a specific career.

At a technical college, students only take classes geared toward one specific career. At other colleges/universities, students take a wide range of general education classes that are not focused on the chosen career path.  

Technical colleges also provide more supervision to help students keep up with their work. Many also offer internships or apprenticeships that help students move into the workforce after completing their program.

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If you are thinking of enlisting in the military, start with some research. It is a big decision. and you will have many important choices to make when you sign up. As am active duty enlisted member, you will learn a job specialty and do hands-on work. You will sign a contract, usually for four years active and four years inactive service.

The military has five branches: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. Each has its own focus, job specialties, base locations and more.

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10 Tips on Winning a Scholarship

1. Start searching for scholarships as soon as possible. Don't wait until spring of your senior year in high school to start searching, or you'll miss half the deadlines. Continue searching for scholarships even after you are enrolled in college. Consider this like a full-time job.
2. Answer all of the optional questions on a scholarship matching web site for about twice as many matches.
3. Use a free scholarship matching service like some of those you will find at the end of this bulletin.
4. Apply to every scholarship for which you are eligible. Pursue less competitive scholarships, such as small awards and essay contests, since they are easier to win and the money adds up and helps you win bigger scholarships.
5. Don't miss deadlines. Use a calendar and checklist to get organized. 
6. Tailor your application to the sponsor's goals. Read and follow the instructions carefully. 
7. If you have difficulty writing essays, try recording yourself as you answer the question out loud, and transcribe the recording later. Most people can think and speak faster than they can write or type. Create an outline afterward to organize your thoughts. 
8. Personalize your essay and be passionate. Write about something of interest to you. Make your application stand out from the crowd. Talk about your impact on other people. Give examples and be specific. 
9. Google your name and make sure you have a professional online profile. Use a professional email address, such as firstname.lastname@gmail.com. 
10. Clean up the content of your Facebook/Instagram/Snapchat etc… accounts, removing inappropriate and immature material.

There are many opportunities to help cover college expenses:

• Scholarships - This is an award of financial aid for a student to further their education. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria including scholastic merit as well as student need.

Florida Bright Futures

Requirements

2020-21 FBF Handbook  Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship (GSV)

2021-22 FBF Handbook