HOW WE HELP
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Students and families at all income levels could qualify for various types of aid, so LEAP encourages all families to fill out federal and Florida financial aid forms, like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Each year on October 1, the federal FAFSA application opens so students can apply for financial aid for the next school year. It’s recommended that you fill out the form as early as possible so you take advantage of all possible options, however, the application is open all the way through June the following year. For Florida financial aid, the deadline is May 15th the following year. Some colleges also have deadlines for certain aid programs, so if you have a college or two in mind that you are considering, we recommend reaching out to their financial aid offices directly.


Students and families at all income levels could qualify for various types of aid, so LEAP encourages all families to fill out federal and Florida financial aid forms, like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Each year on October 1, the federal FAFSA application opens so students can apply for financial aid for the next school year. It’s recommended that you fill out the form as early as possible so you take advantage of all possible options, however, the application is open all the way through June the following year. For Florida financial aid, the deadline is May 15th the following year. Some colleges also have deadlines for certain aid programs, so if you have a college or two in mind that you are considering, we recommend reaching out to their financial aid offices directly.
Federal & State Financial Aid
Each year, Florida students leave $300 million in Pell Grants on the table by not completing the FAFSA. A Pell Grant in 2022-23 could provide up to $6,895 per year in support.
Six out of 10 Florida high school seniors who complete the FAFSA qualify for a Pell Grant, one of the largest forms of federal aid available to low-income students.
Completing the FAFSA early can give financial aid departments at colleges other ways to get you more monetary help.
There are many resources available to help students fill out the FAFSA – and we always recommend checking in with your high school’s counselors.
State governments and many colleges and career schools use your FAFSA information to award you other types of aid.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PELL GRANTS
Work-Study: Qualifying for work-study gives you an opportunity to work part-time while going to school and helps you pay for your schooling.
Florida State Aid: The State of Florida offers financial assistance to students through grants, like a grant for students whose parents didn’t go to college. See all state of FL financial aid opportunities including the Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
It is important to remember, that in order to be qualified for Florida State Aid, you still need to complete both the federal FAFSA form AND the Florida applications.
More than 50% of Florida college students qualify for Pell grants, which is free money to pay for college.
*Source: U.S. Government