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Proposed changes to the Bright Futures Scholarship program could encourage early graduation, free up space at state universities and keep the brightest students in Florida. As Whitney Ray tells us, the plan is to allow students to use Bright Futures for grad school and summer courses.

When high school senior Eric Feely begins his college career next fall, he’ll be on a fast track to graduation.

“I’ll have English out of the way for good. I’ll have science and math,” said Feely.

Eric takes duel enrollment classes and receives college credit while still in high school. He is in line to receive a Bright Futures scholarship. The award will pay for his undergraduate classes, but since Eric already has college credits, some of the scholarship may go unused.

Changes to Bright Futures being presented to state lawmakers next month, could allow Eric to use what’s left on grad school. Ed Moore is a member of the Higher Education Coordinating Council, the group recommending the changes. Moore says they would help keep the brightest minds in the state.

“It would help entice them to go to Florida graduate schools, if you go to grad school in Florida, you are most likely to stay in Florida and work in Florida,” said Moore.

The recommendations also include allowing students to use Bright Futures in the summer. Both changes would encourage early graduation and free up class space for incoming students.