The Benacquisto Scholarship program in Florida, USA is a prestigious merit-based scholarship awarded to high school graduates in recognition of their status as National Merit scholars.
It provides valuable support for these graduates as they pursue higher education at any university in Florida.
This scholarship opportunity is available to both in-state and out-of-state students.
It is important to note that students who have received Special Corporate Scholarships or the Presidential Award are not eligible for the Benacquisto Scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria for Florida Residents:
- Diploma: The student must have a diploma from a high school in Florida.
- Award Duration: The candidate must be eligible to receive the award for a maximum of 10 semesters.
- Citizenship: The student should be a US citizen.
- National Merit Scholar: The candidate should be a National Merit scholar.
- Enrollment Eligibility: The student should be eligible to enroll in any Florida post-secondary institution during the fall academic term.
Non-Florida Residents Eligibility:
- Equivalent Diploma: The candidate should have achieved a high school diploma similar to the standard high school diploma of Florida.
- National Merit Scholar: The student should be a National Merit scholar.
- Enrollment Eligibility: The student should be eligible to enroll in a post-secondary institution in Florida during the fall academic term.
- Proximity Requirement: The applicant must be living close to Florida or within the campus where the enrollment event takes place.
Additional Requirements:
- Minimum Credit Hours: Every student must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per term in the Baccalaureate Degree program.
Scholarship Amount:
- In-State Students: The award for college students in Florida is $21,210.
- Out-of-State Students: The amount for out-of-state college graduates remains the same, $21,210.
Requirements for the Benacquisto Scholarship Renewal Process
- Renewal Eligibility: The eligibility for renewal must be assessed at the end of the second semester within the academic year.
- Automatic Renewal: To qualify for automatic renewal of the scholarship, the candidate must successfully earn credit for all required hours.
- Minimum GPA: The student should have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Credit Hour Criteria:
- Earned Hours: Credit hours will only be considered as earned hours if the student receives grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, or NC.
- Excluded Grades: The Benacquisto Scholarship does not accept grades of F as earned credit hours for any student.
Benacquisto Scholarship Merits:
Full Tuition Coverage:
The scholarship provides full coverage of tuition expenses for in-state and out-of-state students attending a Florida post-secondary institution.
This helps alleviate the financial burden of tuition costs and allows students to focus on their studies.
Prestigious Recognition:
Being awarded the Benacquisto Scholarship is a prestigious recognition in itself.
It signifies the recipient’s exceptional academic achievements as a National Merit Scholar and their potential for success in higher education.
Extended Duration:
The scholarship can be awarded for a maximum of 10 semesters, providing students with long-term financial support throughout their undergraduate education.
This stability allows recipients to plan their academic journey without worrying about tuition expenses.
Flexibility in University Choice:
The scholarship allows students to choose any eligible post-secondary institution in Florida for their higher education.
This flexibility enables students to pursue their desired degree programs and attend reputable universities or colleges within the state.
Access to Academic Resources:
Benacquisto Scholarship recipients often have access to additional academic resources and support services provided by their chosen institution.
These resources may include tutoring, mentoring programs, research opportunities, and academic advising, enhancing their overall educational experience.
Networking Opportunities:
Being part of the Benacquisto Scholarship program opens doors to networking opportunities with other talented and driven students.
Engaging with fellow scholars can foster valuable connections, collaboration, and a supportive community throughout the educational journey.
Enhanced Career Opportunities:
The Benacquisto Scholarship enhances recipients’ career prospects by enabling them to graduate debt-free.
Graduating without the burden of student loans allows recipients to pursue their desired career paths, explore entrepreneurial endeavors, or pursue advanced degrees without financial constraints.