As seniors finish their college and FAFSA applications, many realize they still need to complete their volunteer hours for the Bright Futures Scholarship. This is a popular scholarship for students because there is no essay required and it pays for all or most of the tuition for universities in Florida.

The requirements include a minimum GPA, SAT or ACT score and number of volunteer hours. These amounts vary depending on which level of the scholarship you are eligible for, but the highest level, the Florida Academic Scholarship, requires a minimum of 100 service hours.

For service hours to count toward Bright Futures, they must address a problem in the school or community and can be turned in up until graduation. The following is a collection of some of the best volunteer opportunities available:

Feeding America- Sign up to sort food in the warehouse, distribute food, or help at an event

Hillsborough County Pet resource center- Help pets get adopted by assisting with walking, grooming and playing with dogs and cats

Cat crusaders- Assist with adoptions, kenneling, cleaning and inventory

Campus cleanup- Sign up to improve Freedom’s campus by painting or picking up trash

New Tampa Recreation Center- Volunteer over the summer to be a camp counselor and earn all your hours in two weeks

Humane society- Work with the kennel staff to clean the shelter each morning

American Cancer Society Relay for Life- Stay overnight each year and earn up to 18 hours in one night

Freedom Fest- Sign up with a club/group to entertain elementary students with holiday activities

For more volunteer opportunities and information on Bright Futures, check the Community Service/Bright Futures group on Edsby or contact Mrs. Wolford.