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
About 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 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.
Ask financial aid for a term-by-term estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Keep the award decision, any service or loan agreement, and renewal records. If your studies, residence, or employment change, contact the administrator before making a decision that could affect the aid.
College scholarship and financial-aid program