WE ARE

SUNSHINE
STATE
SCHOLARS

April 29-May 1, 2027

FLORIDA'S

BEST & BRIGHTEST

Sunshine State Scholars convenes the top 11th grade students from every district
across the state in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.

The two-day program, hosted in Orlando, 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!

UPCOMING

DATES &
DEADLINES

October 2026 — Scholar Selection Criteria Released to Districts
October - December 2026 — Districts Make Scholar Selections
November - January 2027 — Districts Submit Scholar Information
‍January 2027 — Scholar Packets e-mailed
January - February 2027 — Scholar Responses Due
January - February 2027 — Recruitment Fair Table RSVPs Accepted
April 29-May 1, 2027 — Sunshine State Scholars Event

FAIR

OPPORTUNITIES

CHALLENGE

CEREMONY

100+ STUDENTS

CONVENE IN ORLANDO

Each year, the Sunshine State Scholars meet in Orlando for time of learning and recognition for their significant academic accomplishments and to celebrate the potential they represent for our communities and state. The scholars, representing counties from all over the state, connect with employers that specialize in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics as well as network with schools from Florida’s College System and the State University System at an opening college fair.