High schools students may be eligible to have their savings matched 8:1
Earn to Learn Florida (ETLF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to empower income-challenged students to
complete college, announces that applications are open for Matched Savings for Education Scholarships.
High school juniors and seniors who income-qualify may be eligible to save up to $500 in their Florida 529 Savings Plan each year and have their savings matched at least 8:1 by Earn to Learn FL. This brings their total available funds for financial assistance to at least $4,500 per academic year.
In partnership with Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Earn to Learn FL doubles the impact of non-government funds donated to Earn to Learn FL for scholarships at the 8:1 ratio. The partnership with Florida Prepaid College Foundation provides 1-year Florida University or 1-year Florida College scholarship plans for tuition, local fees, and tuition differential fees in Florida. In addition, the students’ savings in their Florida 529 Savings Plan pays for additional expenses for education such as lodging, books, fees, and other costs.
“Income-challenged students will be prepared for long and short-term success by combining student savings, personal finance training, near peer coaching, and scholarships,” said Brenda Tate, CEO of Earn to Learn FL. “We are confident that an investment in these students’ high school and postsecondary success will have long-lasting effects on their careers and the rest of their lives.”
Students must complete the online pre-application form to begin the process. To be eligible, students must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
Academic:
· Apply during 11th or 12th grade
· Be enrolled at a public Florida high school
· Earn a 3.0 high school GPA if pursuing a Florida state university degree program
· Earn a 2.5 high school GPA if pursuing a Florida state career and technical education certificate or two-year associates degree
Income:
· Documentation that the student (or family) receives benefits from one of the following programs, based on income:
o Free and Reduced Lunch (based on income)
o Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
o Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
o Medicare
o HUD – must not exceed the “Very Low Income” HUD Eligibility threshold
o Or, a filed IRS 1040 tax return that lists the student as a dependent and demonstrates eligibility to participate in the program.
o Or, proof that the student is in foster care.
Citizenship:
· Scholarships (based on availability) are available for both U.S. citizens and resident aliens; a valid social security number is required.
· Eligible students must have Florida residency and a valid Florida ID card, such as a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or state ID.
If eligible, students will automatically be directed to complete personal finance training. Once completed, students will be invited to complete the full application.
Students will make monthly deposits for at least six months before university or college enrollment to meet the savings goal and receive the Earn to Learn FL Scholarship.
To apply, visit www.earntolearnflorida.org. Then, click on Programs and Matched Savings.
Earn to Learn FL empowers low-to-moderate income students in Florida to earn college degrees and professional certifications with little or no debt through matched savings, personalized financial capability training, and success coaching. In addition, eligible students who establish a habit of saving for higher education can receive matching funds for financial assistance provided by Earn to Learn FL supporters committed to enhancing workforce development and the economic well-being of Florida communities. For more information, please visit EarntoLearnFL.org or email Brenda Tate at Brenda@EarntoLearnFL.org. To donate, visit https://give.classy.org/