SB 540 revises the criteria for renewal of Bright Futures Scholarship Program
awards to include a minimum number of volunteer service work hours.
Senator Daphne Campbell (D-Miami) has filed SB 540 in order to encourage civic engagement and community connection among Bright Futures Scholarship recipients. The current scholarship renewal guidelines only specify requirements for credit hours and grade point average. If enacted, SB 540 would add an additional requirement of 30 volunteer hours per semester to maintain eligibility for the Bright Futures scholarship. The required volunteer hours can be fulfilled by activities with a variety of organizations such as: nonprofits, government agency, schools, hospitals, retirement facility, or a disabled or elderly individual in need of assistance. This requirement exempts active duty military members.
“This bill is about giving back to the community. As a public servant, I help my constituents on a daily basis and have learned the value of building engaged citizens. As the best and the brightest in our state, Bright Futures recipients are the ideal candidates to instill the values taught by public service,” said Senator Campbell regarding SB 540. “Just as the state has invested in them, through their community engagement, these bright young adults will begin giving back to the ones who need it most. This is what volunteering is all about.”
SB 540 has an identical companion, HB 253, filed by newly elected State Representative Nick Duran.
