This article originally appeared in the November 2025 Issue of Pasco Post.

Introducing the AP Capstone Diploma and Bright Futures Pathway

We’re excited to share updates about the AP Capstone Diploma Program and its connection to the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship. The AP Capstone Diploma is a prestigious College Board program that develops research, collaboration, and communication skills through two core courses—AP Seminar and AP Research—plus four additional AP courses. Students who earn qualifying scores on these exams can receive the AP Capstone Diploma.

Recent legislation (House Bill 1105) now allows the AP Capstone designation to meet eligibility requirements for the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) award under Bright Futures. While this pathway does not replace the standard high school diploma, it offers an exciting option for students to earn scholarship eligibility through AP achievement.

For details on specific requirements based on your student’s high school start year, please see the flyer.