Sunshine State Scholars

Florida High School STEM Scholars:

Each of Florida’s school districts selects their top 11th grade students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM). Each scholar, along with their parents, will travel to Orlando for an extraordinary program designed to bring together scholars from around the state, connect them with employers that specialize in the STEM fields, and create a networking opportunity between the scholars and schools from Florida’s College and State University System.

The two-day program honors each scholar for their significant academic accomplishments and celebrates the potential they represent for our communities and state. In addition to the honor the scholars receive from the Commissioner of Education, the Senior Chancellor and representatives from Florida’s colleges and universities meet with the students to discuss higher education opportunities available to them in Florida. This includes workshops for college applications and informational sessions on college funding for students and their parents! The 2024 Sunshine State Scholars program will be held May 2, 2024 – May 3, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

• Criteria for Selecting Scholars 2024 (PDF)
• 2024 Sunshine State Scholars Information and Registration

The Sunshine State Scholars Program proudly acknowledges the invaluable support of all our sponsors. Contributions from State Farm and Florida Prepaid, will allow us to provide 37 1-year college scholarships for the 2024 Sunshine State Scholars class. Their collective commitment to providing education and student success exemplifies the spirit of community investment and empowerment. All our partnerships ensure the continued recognition and celebration of academic excellence among Florida's students, providing them with the resources and opportunities needed to excel.

A special thank you to the generous contributions of the Florida Lottery. Many of our Sunshine State Scholars are Bright Futures recipients- a scholarship program primarily funded by the Florida Lottery. Since 1988 the Florida Lottery has contributed more than $35 billion to public education. To learn more about the Florida Lottery and their commitment to helping Florida’s students shine, click here! Thanks for #FundingFutures!

For questions regarding Sunshine State Scholars, please email SunshineStateScholars@fldoe.org

STEM University

Whether you are leaning toward aerospace or biotechnology, nanofabrication or cybersecurity, Florida’s diverse higher education community has a place for every high school graduate planning to change the world through STEM.

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STEM Career

There are many reasons why the Sunshine State is home to a rapidly growing base of STEM employers..

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Sunshine State Scholars Past and Present

The Sunshine State Scholars event is a convergence of Florida’s highest caliber STEM students, the universities that hope to enroll them, and employers who might soon be very pleased to have them on their team.

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STEM Partners

Sunshine State Scholars wouldn’t be possible without the involvement and support of our many supporting partners.

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