OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners has officially announced the continuation of the Osceola Prosper program for a fifth consecutive year, extending its impact to the Class of 2026 and reinforcing the county’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to higher education and workforce development opportunities.
The county’s continued investment ensures that graduating seniors from public, private, charter, and homeschool programs across the county will once again have the opportunity to pursue higher education or technical training at no cost. Eligible students can attend Valencia College or Osceola Technical College, earning associate degrees, certificates, or trade credentials aligned with high-demand career fields.
Osceola Prosper, which was recognized by Florida Trend Magazine as part of its 2025 Floridian of the Year honors, has become a transformative initiative aimed at removing financial barriers and opening doors to career advancement for local students.
“The fifth year of Osceola Prosper reflects a sustained commitment to expanding access to education, workforce training, and unlocking opportunity across our community,” said Osceola County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington. “With more than $80 million in economic impact, this program demonstrates how strategic investment in our students can create lasting, measurable outcomes, strengthening the long-term economic resilience of our county.”
To celebrate the announcement, Osceola County Commissioners joined leaders from the School District of Osceola County and Valencia College in visiting Osceola, Celebration, and Gateway High Schools, where they shared the news directly with students, educators, and staff. The visits highlighted the strong collaboration between local government, education leaders, and higher education institutions.
Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske emphasized the broader impact of the program, calling it both a life-changing opportunity for students and a critical investment in the region’s workforce and economic future.
Since its launch, Osceola Prosper has served more than 10,550 students. Of those participants, more than 1,400 have earned associate degrees through Valencia College, while nearly 1,800 have completed trade programs or obtained certifications through Osceola Technical College.
Osceola School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff said the program continues to create meaningful opportunities for students and their families.
“This program opens doors to higher education and creates truly life-changing opportunities—not just for students, but for their families as well,” Shanoff said. “By removing financial barriers, Osceola Prosper helps our graduates focus on their goals and build a brighter future for themselves and our community.”
County leaders report that the program has generated nearly $85.4 million in added income to the local economy and contributed $17.4 million in public benefits through increased tax revenue and cost savings. The Board of County Commissioners has invested nearly $40 million into the initiative to date.
The impact of Osceola Prosper is also reflected in education outcomes. In 2010, Osceola County ranked 61st out of 67 counties in college-going rates. By 2023, that ranking had climbed to third in the state, a significant improvement attributed in large part to the program and broader educational investments.
Through continued partnerships with the School District of Osceola County, Valencia College, Osceola Technical College, and community stakeholders, Osceola Prosper remains a cornerstone initiative in advancing economic mobility and building a skilled workforce pipeline for the future.
For more information about the program or upcoming Prosper Nights, visit osceolaprosper.com.
