Osceola County, Florida – Osceola County leaders announced today that its acclaimed Osceola Prosper program has been continued for a landmark fifth consecutive year, extending its success and impact to the Class of 2026 and reaffirming the county’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and workforce training opportunities.
Recognized by Florida Trend Magazine as the 2025 Floridian of the Year, Osceola Prosper provides graduating Osceola County public, private, homeschool and charter school seniors with the opportunity to pursue higher education or technical training at no cost, helping remove financial barriers to college and career advancement. Students can choose to attend Valencia College or Osceola Technical College, gaining an associate’s degree, a certificate, or participating in a trade program to gain the skills needed to enter high-demand fields and build meaningful careers.
“The fifth year of Osceola Prosper reflects a sustained commitment to expanding access to education, workforce training, and unlocking opportunity across our community,” said District 3 Commissioner Brandon Arrington, chairman of the Osceola Board of County Commissioners. “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 mark the announcement, Osceola County Commissioners, leaders from the School District of Osceola, and Valencia College representatives visited Osceola, Celebration, and Gateway High Schools, where they shared the news directly with excited students, educators, and staff. The coordinated announcements highlight the strong partnership between the County, School District, and higher education partners in preparing students for success beyond high school.
“Thank you, Osceola County commissioners, for funding a fifth year of Osceola Prosper,” said Valencia College President Kathleen Plinske. “This scholarship program not only creates life-changing opportunities for students, it is a critical investment in the future workforce and in economic development for the county.”
Since its inception, more than 10,550 students have taken advantage of the program, with more than 1,400 students graduating from Valencia College and nearly 1,800 individuals completing trades programs or earning certificates through Osceola Technical College. These outcomes reflect the program’s success in creating real opportunities for students while strengthening the county’s workforce pipeline.
“The renewal of Osceola Prosper represents a bold and meaningful investment by the Osceola County Commissioners in the future of our students,” said Osceola School District Superintendent Mark Shanoff. “This program opens doors to higher education and creates truly life-changing opportunities—not just for students, but for their families as well. By removing financial barriers, Osceola Prosper helps our graduates focus on their goals and build a brighter future for themselves and our community.”
Osceola Prosper Fast Facts
- Nearly $40M investment by the Osceola Board of County Commissioners, diversifying our economy and providing opportunity in our own backyard
- $85.4M in added income to the Osceola County economy
- $17.4M in benefits from added tax revenue and public savings
- 10,550+ Osceola Prosper enrollees
- More than 1,400 associate’s degrees awarded
- Nearly 1,800 certificates or trades programs completed
In 2010, Osceola’s college-going rate was 61 out of 67 counties in the state of Florida. In 2023, due in large part to the investments made by the School District of Osceola as well as the Osceola Board of County Commissioners’ Osceola Prosper program, the college-going rate increased to third out of 67 counties, a clear mark of success for Osceola’s graduating seniors.
Through continued collaboration with Osceola County Schools, Valencia College, Osceola Technical College, and community partners, Osceola Prosper remains a cornerstone initiative in advancing economic mobility and building a skilled workforce for the future.
For more information about Osceola Prosper or to learn about an upcoming Prosper Night, visit osceolaprosper.com