Orlando, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2026) – Students at Jones High School got an unexpected boost toward their future today: a scholarship that covers the cost of college or technical education at Valencia College. The announcement came during a school assembly, where Valencia College and Orange County Public Schools leaders revealed the new program funded by a donation from Lift Orlando.
The scholarship, called Lift Scholars, is modeled after Osceola County’s successful Osceola Prosper initiative, and aims to increase college enrollment among Jones High School students by eliminating the barrier of cost.
“For more than a decade, Lift Orlando has worked to build cradle-to-career pathways that help young people thrive,” said Eddy Moratin, president and CEO of Lift Orlando. “As we expand our investment in education in the years ahead, cost should never stand in the way of a student’s future. Guided by the belief that to whom much is given, much is required, generous donors have entrusted Lift Orlando to steward this investment in a way that removes barriers, expands opportunity, and sends a clear message to Jones High students: your dreams matter, and this community is behind you.”
Starting with the class of 2025-2026 and continuing through 2028-2029, every Jones High graduate will be eligible for the scholarship, which guarantees no out-of-pocket costs for tuition and fees. Students can use the scholarship to pursue an associate degree or enroll in short-term, hands-on technical training programs in fields such as advanced manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and transportation logistics.
“I am grateful to Lift Orlando for partnering with us to bring the promise of college within reach to Jones High School students,” said Valencia College President Kathleen Plinske. “Based on the outstanding results we’ve seen from the Osceola Prosper scholarship in Osceola County, we know that the lives of hundreds of Jones students and their families will be transformed by today’s news.”
Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez said, “This scholarship truly is an extraordinary gift for our Jones High School students and families. By removing the financial burden of tuition and fees, it opens doors that many students may have thought was out of reach. This support not only eases the stress that often accompanies planning for college, but it also empowers our graduates to pursue their goals with confidence. We are deeply grateful to Valencia College and Lift Orlando for their unwavering commitment to our students and their futures.”
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 following their high school graduation. They also must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using school code 006750.
More details, including upcoming information sessions, are available at valenciacollege.edu/lift.