Florida’s José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Program supports scholarships for Hispanic-American students through state funds and matching private contributions. State law defines a broad cultural category—Hispanic-American or a person of Spanish culture with origins in Mexico, South America, Central America, or the Caribbean—and requires U.S. citizenship and other general eligibility conditions. Self-identification alone does not secure an award; academic, residency, and institution requirements must be verified for the cycle.
The statute requires full-time undergraduate or graduate enrollment and acceptance at a state university, Florida College System institution, or eligible accredited college, along with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Graduate applicants are assessed on their cumulative undergraduate coursework. Renewal requires maintaining the stated GPA and full-time enrollment. These rules make the academic record an important part of the file, alongside the financial-aid application.
The statutory award is $2,000 per year, with priority for students with the fewest family resources. The law limits the number of funded terms—up to eight undergraduate semesters or twelve quarters within the statutory period, and four graduate semesters or six quarters—and says implementation depends on available funding and authorization. When funds are insufficient, renewals take priority over new awards.
The application route runs through OSFA’s state system and institutional certification; colleges may set calendars and request supporting records. File the FAFSA or applicable state form, confirm that the school certified enrollment, and track the application in the account. Payment is sent to the institution and may be adjusted if a student withdraws before the term ends. Confirm the current cycle’s deadline rather than reusing a date from a prior year.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle and deadline, participating institution, enrollment load, and required documents. Keep copies of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, supporting records, and submission confirmation. Ask whether renewal is automatic, which expenses are covered, and how the award coordinates with other grants. Do not rely on funds until you receive an official award and written balance estimate.
Compare net cost and aid type: a grant, forgivable loan, and service scholarship work differently. Confirm dates and requirements directly with the administrator for the current cycle.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Florida Statutes 2026, 1009.72 — Florida Senate.
Florida Student Financial Aid Application — Florida Department of Education, OSFA.
Florida Statutes 2026, 1009.40 — Florida Senate.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Funding, eligibility, and dates can change by cycle. Confirm your circumstances with the administrator and financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
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José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Program
Florida’s José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Program supports scholarships for Hispanic-American students through state funds and matching private contributions. State law defines a broad cultural category—Hispanic-American or a person of Spanish culture with origins in Mexico, South America, Central America, or the Caribbean—and requires U.S. citizenship and other general eligibility conditions. Self-identification alone does not secure an award; academic, residency, and
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, OSFA · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Program ↗
Primary source
Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, OSFA · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Program ↗
Primary source
Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.