Orlando, FL – Valencia College has received a $600,000 grant from Dr. Phillips Charities to expand access to job training and healthy food for students.
The donation includes $450,000 to fund scholarships for low-income residents to participate in an Accelerated Skills Training (AST) program, and $150,000 to support VCentials markets, including expanding food access at the college’s AST sites.
VCentials (pronounced “Vee-sen-shuls”) provides students with free access to healthy, nutritious food and hygiene items in a welcoming, store-like environment. The contribution from Dr. Phillips Charities comes at a time when the college is seeing an increase in students utilizing the support provided by VCentials. Since its launch in 2023, VCentials has recorded more than 60,000 student visits.
For nearly 10 years, Valencia College’s short-term Accelerated Skills Training programs have improved the economic outlooks for thousands of residents of Orange and Osceola counties, while providing a pipeline of qualified technicians in industries critical to Central Florida’s economy. The program has been incredibly successful, with a 90 percent completion rate and 80 percent of students securing jobs in the field for which they trained.
“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Phillips Charities for their generous investment in our students and our community,” said Dr. Kathleen Plinske, president of Valencia College. “At Valencia, we believe in the limitless potential of our students, and this support helps remove barriers so they can focus on building brighter futures for themselves and their families.”
“Dr. Phillips Charities is proud to partner with Valencia College to ensure students have access not only to the skills and training they need for successful careers, but also to the healthy food that supports their well-being,” said Ken Robinson, President and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities. “By addressing both education and basic needs, we are helping create pathways to opportunity that strengthen students, families, and our entire community.”
VCentials is part of Valencia College’s broader commitment to affordability and holistic student support, which includes childcare assistance and free access to the Lynx bus service. More than 50 percent of Valencia students are first-generation college students. Most balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing their studies, and 40 percent report having skipped meals due to financial challenges. By providing these support services, the college aims to remove barriers to academic persistence and success.
Donations can be made online at Valencia.org/donate. Please select “VCentials” under “Designation” to make a financial contribution.