Jones High School students will be able to attend Valencia College or pursue technical training at no out-of-pocket cost for tuition and fees under a new scholarship announced Jan. 7, 2026, during a school assembly. The program, called Lift Scholars, is funded by a donation from Lift Orlando and is modeled after the Osceola Prosper initiative in Osceola County. It is intended to raise college enrollment at Jones High by removing cost as a barrier.
Beginning with the class of 2025-2026 and running through 2028-2029, every Jones High graduate will be eligible. Students may use the scholarship toward an associate degree or short-term, hands-on technical training in fields such as advanced manufacturing, construction, healthcare and transportation logistics.
To qualify, students must apply to Valencia College and register for at least one course or an Accelerated Skills Training program by the spring term after their high school graduation, and must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid using school code 006750. More details, including information sessions, are available at valenciacollege.edu/lift. The announcement included remarks from Valencia College President Kathleen Plinske, Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Lift Orlando president and CEO Eddy Moratin.
Press release issued by Valencia College:
https://news.valenciacollege.edu/liftscholars/
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