Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske visited the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday to share exciting news: Thanks to the Osceola Prosper scholarship program, Osceola County’s college-going rate has skyrocketed to 3rd in the state of Florida, showing how local investment can transform opportunities for students and families.

Launched in 2022, Osceola Prosper provides two years of paid college or technical training for every high school graduate in Osceola County. With more than $8 million committed by County Commissioners, the program covers tuition and fees not already funded by grants or scholarships for one credential—whether an Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Science degree, technical certificate, accelerated skills training, or vocational program—at Valencia College or Osceola Technical College (oTech).

Participation and Milestones

Now in its fourth year, the program has enrolled more than 10,550 participants since its start:

  • Class of 2022: 2,763 participants

  • Class of 2023: 2,774 participants

  • Class of 2024: 2,827 participants

  • Class of 2025: 2,186+ participants already enrolled

To date, Osceola Prosper has produced:

  • 1,143 Associate Degree graduates

  • 815 Technical Certificate completers

  • 906 Trades Program completers

In 2025, the program proudly surpassed 1,000 associate degree graduates, marking a major milestone.

Statewide Impact

Thanks to Prosper, Osceola County’s college-going rate skyrocketed to 3rd in the state of Florida, showing how local investment can transform opportunities for students and families.

Return on Investment

An external analysis projects long-term benefits for the community by 2033, including:

  • $85.4 million in added income to the Osceola County economy

  • $17.4 million in additional tax revenue and public sector savings

  • A benefit-cost ratio of 8.4, meaning every $1,000 invested in graduates is expected to result in $8,400 in future earnings.

Opportunities for the Class of 2025

The scholarship is open to all 2025 graduating seniors in Osceola County—whether from public schools, charter schools, alternative schools, private schools, or home education.

To qualify, students must:

  • Apply to Valencia College or oTech and enroll in at least one course or skills program in Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Spring 2026.

  • Complete the 2024–25 FAFSA (for summer enrollment) and the 2025–26 FAFSA (for fall/spring enrollment).

More details can be found at www.OsceolaProsper.com.

Dr. Plinske praised the Board of County Commissioners for their continued commitment, noting that Osceola Prosper is unique among scholarship programs nationwide because students have up to five years to use the funding—a vital flexibility for those balancing work and education.