Osceola County leaders announced that the Osceola Prosper program will continue for a fifth consecutive year, extending it to the Class of 2026. The program allows graduating seniors from Osceola County public, private, homeschool and charter schools to pursue higher education or technical training at no cost, at either Valencia College or Osceola Technical College, toward an associate's degree, a certificate or a trade program.
To mark the announcement, county commissioners, leaders from the School District of Osceola and Valencia College representatives visited Osceola, Celebration and Gateway High Schools to share the news with students, educators and staff. District 3 Commissioner Brandon Arrington, chairman of the Osceola Board of County Commissioners, described the renewal as a sustained commitment to expanding access to education and workforce training, and cited more than $80 million in economic impact.
Valencia College President Kathleen Plinske called the scholarship a critical investment in the future workforce and in economic development, and Osceola School District Superintendent Mark Shanoff said it removes financial barriers for graduates and their families. Since its inception, more than 10,550 students have enrolled, with more than 1,400 graduating from Valencia College and nearly 1,800 completing trades programs or earning certificates through Osceola Technical College. The county reported nearly $40 million in investment, $85.4 million in added income to the local economy and $17.4 million in benefits from added tax revenue and public savings.
Press release issued by Valencia College:
https://news.valenciacollege.edu/osceola-county-commissioners-announce-5th-year-of-osceola-prosper-scholarships/
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