Going to college can be a lot: Between the classes, the coursework, the studying and the atmosphere, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or feel like you’re in over your head -- and that’s not to mention the financial aspect of paying for a university.

State Sen. Dennis Baxley, of Ocala, made his case Tuesday morning for his bill that would overhaul the Florida Bright Futures Program. Students who qualify, who are studying majors not on the list, may receive the full funding from Bright Futures. There’s already been changes raising requirements to get Bright Futures,” said Jocelyn Meyer, a senior at Rockledge High School. She fits all the current requirements for a full-ride Bright Futures Scholarship. Students already in college on Bright Futures will not be affected, and will continue to receive their approved funding until they graduate college.

Students whose majors aren’t on the list would receive less funding from the Bright Futures Scholarship. Bright Futures students are currently eligible for 100% or 75% of tuition but under this bill that would depend on their education track. “I went to UCF on Bright Futures and wouldn’t be here today without it,” said Eskamani. “We need to protect and enhance Bright Futures not cut it.”Along with the changes to Bright Futures, the proposal would also create two new financial aid programs. AdThe Florida Endeavor Scholarship would benefit students without a high school diploma who wish to enroll in a certificate or high school equivalency program.

ORLANDO, Fla. Governor Ron DeSantis has extended the deadline for the Bright Futures Scholarship. Many SAT and ACT tests were canceled or limited amid the coronavirus pandemic. This impacted students trying to improve their test scores before the deadlineThe deadline to improve the SAT or ACT test score is now Dec. 1. The Florida Academic Scholars scholarship requires a 3.5 Weighted GPA, 29 ACT score or 1330 SAT score with 100 hours of community service. The Florida Medallion Scholars scholarship requires a 3 Weighted GPA, 25 ACT score or 1210 SAT score with 75 hours of community service.

With the help of the Florida Lottery Bright Futures Scholarship, Browns goal of a career in medicine to change the way people go about their lives is beginning to come into focus. With plenty of hard work and late-night study sessions, Brown was awarded the scholarship and enrolled at Florida State University at just 16 years old. She graduated from Florida State University in December 2019 with a degree in interdisciplinary medical sciences. The journey may not have always been easy, but Brown has paved her way for a career in medicine. In her words: Anywhere in medicine would be fine.With the help of Florida Lottery-funded Bright Futures Scholarship, Browns plans look to be bright.