A Bright Future for Some
A “Bright Future” for Some
“’There’s a lot to be said for receiving aid because you worked hard for it,’ said Florida state representative Marti Coley.” While this is true, how hard do you really have to work to maintain a mere 3.0 high school grade point average and score a 20 on the ACT (a score that wouldn’t even grant you admission to many universities)? For some, a lot of work may be required, but these below-national-average scores will currently guarantee you a “Bright Futures” scholarship funding 75% of your tuition to a Florida public university if you are an in-state resident. That sounds like a good deal, right? For the many Florida families who have taken advantage of this scholarship, they would definitely agree. Though this scholarship is highly praised, it also has its opposition, and rightfully so! The Bright Futures scholarship program has helped hundreds of thousands of students, but at whose expense? I believe if we look at all aspects of the program including the criteria, funding, who is being affected, and the long-term consequences, most will agree that changes must be made in order for the program to continue being successful. One of the main arguments against the scholarship is that the qualifications are too attainable. To receive a Bright Futures scholarship funding 75% of a student’s tuition, the SAT score necessary is a 970; however, Florida’s average SAT score as of 2007 was a 993, while the national average stood at 1017 (Braun 5). How can Florida legislators continue to regard this scholarship as one of “prestige” if these mediocre standards are glorified? It is proven that if the bar is set low, many students will only strive for that minimum. The Bright Futures scholarship was originally intended for the best and brightest students of Florida, but as test scores have gradually increased, the scholarship requirements have not. Frank Brogan, currently the president of Florida Atlantic University, is a former lieutenant governor
“’There’s a lot to be said for receiving aid because you worked hard for it,’ said Florida state representative Marti Coley.” While this is true, how hard do you really have to work to maintain a mere 3.0 high school grade point average and score a 20 on the ACT (a score that wouldn’t even grant you admission to many universities)? For some, a lot of work may be required, but these below-national-average scores will currently guarantee you a “Bright Futures” scholarship funding 75% of your tuition to a Florida public university if you are an in-state resident. That sounds like a good deal, right? For the many Florida families who have taken advantage of this scholarship, they would definitely agree. Though this scholarship is highly praised, it also has its opposition, and rightfully so! The Bright Futures scholarship program has helped hundreds of thousands of students, but at whose expense? I believe if we look at all aspects of the program including the criteria, funding, who is being affected, and the long-term consequences, most will agree that changes must be made in order for the program to continue being successful. One of the main arguments against the scholarship is that the qualifications are too attainable. To receive a Bright Futures scholarship funding 75% of a student’s tuition, the SAT score necessary is a 970; however, Florida’s average SAT score as of 2007 was a 993, while the national average stood at 1017 (Braun 5). How can Florida legislators continue to regard this scholarship as one of “prestige” if these mediocre standards are glorified? It is proven that if the bar is set low, many students will only strive for that minimum. The Bright Futures scholarship was originally intended for the best and brightest students of Florida, but as test scores have gradually increased, the scholarship requirements have not. Frank Brogan, currently the president of Florida Atlantic University, is a former lieutenant governor