Florida Education Commissioner and Lottery Secretary visit Miami high schools to encourage students to apply for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program
Miami, Florida – Thousands of Miami-Dade high school students had the chance this week to learn more about one of Florida’s most important education programs. Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Lottery Secretary John F. Davis toured six high schools to share details about the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which for nearly three decades has provided financial aid to students pursuing college and career training.
The two state leaders spoke directly to more than 2,000 students, emphasizing that the Bright Futures program is not just about financial assistance, but about recognizing hard work and opening doors to higher education.
“Bright Futures expands postsecondary opportunities for Florida’s hard-working students,” said Commissioner Kamoutsas. “By engaging directly with students in their schools, we’re not just sharing information about Bright Futures — we’re empowering students to see a future where their academic efforts lead to achievable success in college or technical training.”
Their tour included visits to Dr. Michael M. Krop High School, Miami Norland Senior High School, North Miami Beach Senior High School, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Miami Central Senior High School, and Miami Carol City Senior High School. At each stop, students heard about the eligibility requirements, the different levels of awards, and the wide range of educational programs for which the scholarship can be used.
The Bright Futures Scholarship Program was established in 1997 and remains fully funded by the Florida Lottery. Over the years, it has become the premier merit-based financial aid program in the state. Since its inception, more than one million awards have been granted, helping students pursue everything from traditional four-year degrees to career and technical certifications.
Florida Lottery Secretary John F. Davis said the in-person visits were a way to connect with students on a personal level, helping them see what’s possible when they stay committed to their studies.
“Visiting students in their schools gives us the opportunity to meet them where they are, answer their questions and encourage them to see Bright Futures as a real and attainable pathway to success,” said Davis. “It’s inspiring to remind students that their hard work today can open the door to the future they’ve always dreamed of.”
The Bright Futures program currently offers four distinct scholarships: the Florida Academic Scholarship, the Florida Medallion Scholarship, the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship, and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship. Each tier has its own requirements, with factors such as GPA, standardized test scores, and community service hours playing a role in eligibility.
Officials reminded students that deadlines matter. Current seniors aiming for financial aid in the 2026–2027 academic year must submit their applications by August 31, 2026. Missing that deadline could mean missing out on thousands of dollars in support that could cover tuition, fees, and other education costs.
For Miami-Dade students, many of whom may be the first in their families to attend college, the program represents both opportunity and motivation. By hearing directly from state leaders, students not only learned how the scholarships work but also gained encouragement to push through the challenges of high school with an eye toward their futures.
The visits also reinforced the message that Bright Futures is not just about individual achievement but about investing in Florida’s future workforce. From engineers and nurses to teachers and technicians, the program is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders and skilled professionals.
As Commissioner Kamoutsas and Secretary Davis wrapped up their tour, the underlying theme was clear: academic effort pays off, and the state stands ready to reward it. For thousands of students across Miami-Dade, the path to higher education may now feel a little closer and a lot more achievable.
For more information on eligibility requirements, scholarship tiers, and application details, students and families can visit the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program online.
