Frequently Asked Questions

Osceola Prosper 2023

What is Osceola Prosper?
Osceola Prosper is an incredible gift from the Osceola County Commissioners to students who graduate from high school in Osceola County in 2022! It covers tuition and fees (after any grants or scholarships a student receives) at Valencia College or Osceola Technical College (OTECH) through a student’s graduation or program completion.

What does the Osceola Prosper program pay for?
Osceola Prosper pays for tuition and fees (after any grants or scholarships a student receives) at Valencia College or Osceola Technical College (OTECH) through a student’s graduation or program completion. It does not automatically include funding for books or other college expenses, but students who are able to demonstrate significant financial need will be awarded an additional $500 award per semester.

Who is eligible for the Osceola Prosper program?
Every single student who graduates from high school in Osceola County in 2022! There are no other requirements to qualify for the Osceola Prosper Program. Also, all Osceola County high school graduates will be admitted to Valencia College. There are no GPA or test scores needed to apply or to be accepted to Valencia College.

What high schools are participating?
2022 graduates from all Osceola County public, charter, and private high schools can participate, and Class of 2022 home-schooled graduates are eligible too.

I was homeschooled, but I live in Osceola County. Do I qualify?
Yes. Osceola Prosper is open to all public, private, and home-schooled students in Osceola County who are part of the class of 2022 high school graduates.

I am a dual enrollment student. Do I qualify?
Yes. Osceola dual enrolled seniors who graduate high school with the class of 2022 are eligible for Osceola Prosper.

I’m not a U.S. citizen – or I’m an undocumented or DACA student. Am I eligible?
Yes. We’d love to have you in the program.

Does it matter how much money my family makes?
No, there are no income requirements. The program is open to every Osceola County high school student graduating in 2022.

Do I need to have a certain GPA or test scores to qualify?
No. There are no GPA or test scores needed to qualify. If you graduate from high school in Osceola County in 2022, you’re in!

If I have Bright Futures, am I still eligible for the Osceola Prosper program?
Yes. Here’s what will happen if you have Bright Futures or other scholarships or grants: We will find out if there’s a balance between your award amount and your full tuition and fees. If there is, the Osceola Prosper program will step in and cover any remaining tuition and fees. Plus, if you are able to demonstrate significant financial need, the Osceola Prosper program provides an additional $500 award per semester.

If I qualify for a Pell grant, do I still qualify for the Osceola Prosper program?
Yes, you do qualify. Pell does not affect your ability to participate in Osceola Prosper. Here’s what will happen if you qualify for a Pell grant or other scholarships or grants: We will find out if there’s a balance between your award amount and your full tuition and fees. If there is, the Osceola Prosper program will step in and cover any remaining tuition and fees. Plus, if you are able to demonstrate significant financial need, the Osceola Prosper program provides an additional $500 award per semester.

How do I apply for Osceola Prosper?
There’s no separate Osceola Prosper application. If you’re a 2022 high school graduate from Osceola County, complete these two steps to participate:

Apply to Valencia College or Osceola Technical College, follow the steps to enrollment, and register for at least one course, or an Accelerated Skills Training program, or an Osceola Technical Program in Summer 2022, Fall 2022 or Spring 2023.
Complete the 2022-23 FAFSA* (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by July 15, 2022 (for fall enrollment) or by December 1, 2022 (for spring enrollment). If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status or other issues, you’ll have the option to tell us, and we’ll let you know what to do next.
*The FAFSA is a form students fill out to get help from the U.S. federal government with paying for college. Every year, more than 10 million students complete the FAFSA and are awarded more than $100 billion from the U.S. Department of Education for college costs.

I need help completing the FAFSA and the application. Where do I go?
There will be workshops at Valencia College’s Osceola, Poinciana, and Lake Nona campuses over the next few months to help you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the application for admission. We’re also planning workshops at Osceola high schools – be on the lookout for more information. You can also check out these online resources to help you complete the FAFSA. We are also standing by, ready to help you if you have questions. Just call us any day at 407-582-1507 between 8:00 a.m. and midnight or email osceolaprosper@valenciacollege.edu.

I have already applied to Valencia College for Fall 2022. Do I need to do anything else to qualify?
If you already applied to Valencia for the Fall, you’ll only need to:

Register for at least one course, or an Accelerated Skills Training program, or an Osceola Technical Program in Summer 2022, Fall 2022 or Spring 2023.
Complete the 2022-23 FAFSA* (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by July 15, 2022 (for fall enrollment) or by December 1, 2022 (for spring enrollment). If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status or other issues, you’ll have the option to tell us, and we’ll let you know what to do next.

Other than that, see below on what you can do to prepare to be successful during your first semester in college.

What’s the deadline for applying?
We encourage you to register soon so that you’re able to enroll in the program that best suits your needs and goals. Specific deadlines vary by semester and program, but you must be registered for at least one course, or enrolled in an Accelerated Skills Training or OTECH program by the Spring 2023 semester at the latest in order to qualify for the Osceola Prosper program.

How do I stay enrolled in Osceola Prosper?
To remain eligible for Osceola Prosper until you complete your program (AA, AS, Technical Certificate, Accelerated Skill Training (AST) or OTECH program), you’ll need to:

Complete a FAFSA each year, so we can determine your eligibility for federal grants and scholarships.
Maintain momentum. This means completing at least 12 credit hours per academic year (which consists of the fall, spring, and summer semesters). This will allow you to receive the benefit from your degree/program completion as soon as possible. For an Accelerated Skills Training or OTECH program, maintaining momentum means regular attendance and steady progress toward program completion.
Keep an eye on your GPA (Grade Point Average). If your GPA drops below 2.0, we’ll reach out to support you. If your term GPA drops below 2.0 for four consecutive semesters, you will no longer be eligible for the Osceola Prosper program.
Stick to courses required for your program. Osceola Prosper will only cover tuition and fees for courses that are required for your selected degree or certificate program.
Plan to finish by Summer 2027. That’s the latest semester you will receive Osceola Prosper funds to support your degree, certificate, or training program. Students in an Accelerated Skills Training or OTECH program will be expected to finish the program in the time allotted for the course or program.

Which Valencia programs are part of the Osceola Prosper Program?
All of Valencia College’s Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Technical Certificates, or Accelerated Skills Training programs, in any of our campuses and locations. Use these links to see your options:

Can I take classes at any Valencia campus or location?
Absolutely! And keep in mind that Valencia has 7 campuses and 5 Centers for Accelerated Training. Click here to learn a little bit about each one.

Do I have to enroll in an associate degree program to qualify?
No, the Osceola Prosper program will support several options: any of Valencia College’s Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Technical Certificates, or Accelerated Skills Training programs, or technical training programs at Osceola Technical College.

What if I don’t know if I want to earn an associate degree or sign up for short-term technical training?
That’s perfectly okay – and we’ll help! Every student eligible for Osceola Prosper can sign up for a visit to a Valencia campus, where a team of Osceola Prosper Coaches will explain your degree and certificate options. As an Osceola Prosper student, you will also be supported by your Prosper Coach in career advising and in selecting and registering for classes.

What if my goal is to earn a Bachelor's degree at Valencia?
Awesome! Osceola Prosper will provide tuition and fees for your Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Technical Certificates, or Accelerated Skills Training programs. And your Prosper Coach can help you identify the best pathway to get to your bachelor's degree of choice.

Aside from tuition, what does the Osceola Prosper program cover?
The program will cover any remaining tuition and fees after grants or scholarships are applied. In other words, when you complete the FAFSA, we will look to see if you are eligible for any state or Federal grant or scholarship funds. Then, Osceola Prosper will pay for what’s left.

Plus, if you are able to demonstrate significant financial need, you’ll receive $500 each semester you are enrolled in a degree program to help with expenses, including textbooks. In the case of an Accelerated Skills Training or OTECH program, it would be a one-time award of $500. To qualify, your FAFSA application must show a family contribution of $0. If you’re not eligible to complete the FAFSA, ask your Prosper Coach for help if you think you might be eligible for the award based on your financial need.

How will Valencia help me be successful?
You’ll have your very own Prosper Coach, your personal connection to the college, services, and overall on-campus experience. Your Prosper Coach will guide you in choosing your educational pathway, choosing and registering for classes, etc. We’re also available via phone and email. Call us any day at 407-582-1507 between 8:00 a.m. and midnight or email osceolaprosper@valenciacollege.edu

Plus, like all Valencia College students, you’ll receive access to a range of supports including:

Online and in-person tutoring and writing support services
Advising to support your success and ensure you’re taking the right courses to graduate
Career services to help you explore career options and pathways
Access to counseling services, including mental health support through BayCare
Paw Pass, free Lynx transportation for every semester in which you’re enrolled
Access to Pooky’s Pantry, food bank services provided in partnership with Second Harvest

How can I prepare to be successful during my first semester in college?
Participate in Osceola Prosper Events & Connect with your Prosper Coach
Valencia College will offer several events and workshops for Prosper students over the summer. Be on the lookout for more information on this website, and once you apply, via email. Your Prosper Coach will also tell you about opportunities to meet some of your future classmates and professors, and to connect with the college--including campus tours.

Begin Exploring Your Educational Options
If you’re not sure if you want to earn an associate degree or sign up for short-term technical training, use these links to begin exploring your options:

Then, when you meet with your Prosper Coach, you’ll be able to ask more detailed questions.

What is Osceola Prosper?
Osceola Prosper is an incredible gift from the Osceola County Commissioners to students who graduate from high school in Osceola County in 2023! It covers tuition and fees (after any grants or scholarships a student receives) at Valencia College or Osceola Technical College (OTECH) through a student’s graduation or program completion.

Who is eligible for the Osceola Prosper program?

Every single student who graduates from high school in Osceola County in 2023! There are no other requirements to qualify for the Osceola Prosper Program. Also, all Osceola County high school graduates will be admitted to Valencia College and Osceola County Technical School. There are no GPA or test scores needed to apply or to be accepted to Valencia College.

Do I need to have a certain GPA or test scores to qualify?

No. There are no GPA or test scores needed to qualify. If you graduate from high school in Osceola County in 2023, you’re in!

What high schools are included?

All of them. 2023 graduates from all Osceola County public, charter, and private high schools can participate, and Class of 2023 home-schooled graduates are eligible too.

I was homeschooled, but I live in Osceola County. Do I qualify?

Yes. Osceola Prosper is open to all public, private, and home-schooled students in Osceola County who are part of the class of 2023 high school graduates.

I am a dual enrollment student. Do I qualify?

Yes. Osceola dual enrolled seniors who graduate high school with the class of 2023 are eligible for Osceola Prosper.

If I earn a Certificate of Completion, am I eligible for Osceola Prosper?

Yes. There are options available for you to continue to earn the requirements for a diploma and become fully eligible for the program. For instance, students with the W8A Certificate of Completion can retake the specific testing area where they haven’t yet earned a passing score. Earning a GED is another way to become fully eligible.

We encourage you to meet with an advisor to learn more about your options.

Are GED earners eligible for Osceola Prosper?

GED earners who are part of the Osceola County class of 2023 and receive their GED before the start of classes for spring 2024 will be considered part of the Osceola Prosper Program.

I’m not a U.S. citizen – or I’m an undocumented or DACA student. Am I eligible?

Yes. We’d love to have you in the program.

Does it matter how much money my family makes?

No, there are no income requirements. The program is open to every Osceola County high school student graduating in 2023.

If I have Bright Futures, am I still eligible for the Osceola Prosper program?

Yes. Here’s what will happen if you have Bright Futures or other scholarships or grants: We will find out if there’s a balance between your award amount and your full tuition and fees. If there is, the Osceola Prosper program will step in and cover any remaining tuition and fees.

If I qualify for a Pell grant, do I still qualify for the Osceola Prosper program?

Yes, you do qualify. Pell does not affect your ability to participate in Osceola Prosper. Here’s what will happen if you qualify for a Pell grant or other scholarships or grants: We will find out if there’s a balance between your award amount and your full tuition and fees. If there is, the Osceola Prosper program will step in and cover any remaining tuition and fees.

How do I apply for Osceola Prosper?

There’s no separate Osceola Prosper application. If you’re a 2023 high school graduate from Osceola County, complete these two steps to participate:

Apply to Valencia College or Osceola Technical College, follow the steps to enrollment, and register for at least one course, or an Accelerated Skills Training program, or an Osceola Technical Program in Summer 2023, Fall 2023 or Spring 2024.
Complete the 2023-24 FAFSA* (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by July 15, 2023 (for fall enrollment) or by December 1, 2023 (for spring enrollment). If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status or other issues, you’ll have the option to tell us, and we’ll let you know what to do next.

*The FAFSA is a form students fill out to get help from the U.S. federal government with paying for college. Every year, more than 10 million students complete the FAFSA and are awarded more than $100 billion from the U.S. Department of Education for college costs.

I need help completing the FAFSA and the application. Where do I go?

There will be workshops at Valencia College’s Osceola, Poinciana, and Lake Nona campuses over the next few months to help you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the application for admission. We’re also planning workshops at Osceola high schools – be on the lookout for more information. You can also check out these online resources to help you complete the FAFSA. We are also standing by, ready to help you if you have questions. Just call us Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 407-582-1507 or email osceolaprosper@valenciacollege.edu.

I have already applied to Valencia College for Fall 2023. Do I need to do anything else to qualify?

If you already applied to Valencia for the Fall, you’ll only need to:

Register for at least one course, or an Accelerated Skills Training program, or an Osceola Technical Program in Summer 2023, Fall 2023 or Spring 2024.
Complete the 2023-24 FAFSA* (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by July 15, 2023 (for fall enrollment) or by December 1, 2023 (for spring enrollment). If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status or other issues, you’ll have the option to tell us, and we’ll let you know what to do next.

Other than that, see below on what you can do to prepare to be successful during your first semester in college.

What’s the deadline for applying?

We encourage you to register soon so that you’re able to enroll in the program that best suits your needs and goals. Specific deadlines vary by semester and program, but you must be registered for at least one course, or enrolled in an Accelerated Skills Training or OTECH program by the Spring 2024 semester at the latest in order to qualify for the Osceola Prosper program.

How do I stay enrolled in Osceola Prosper?

To remain eligible for Osceola Prosper until you complete your program (AA, AS, Technical Certificate, Accelerated Skill Training (AST) or OTECH program), you’ll need to:

Complete a FAFSA each year, so we can determine your eligibility for federal grants and scholarships.
Maintain momentum. This means completing at least 12 credit hours per academic year (which consists of the fall, spring, and summer semesters). This will allow you to receive the benefit from your degree/program completion as soon as possible. For an Accelerated Skills Training or OTECH program, maintaining momentum means regular attendance and steady progress toward program completion.
Keep an eye on your GPA (Grade Point Average). If your GPA drops below 2.0, we’ll reach out to support you. If your term GPA drops below 2.0 for four consecutive semesters, you will no longer be eligible for the Osceola Prosper program.
Stick to courses required for your program. Osceola Prosper will only cover tuition and fees for courses that are required for your selected degree or certificate program.
Plan to finish by Summer 2028 . That’s the latest semester you will receive Osceola Prosper funds to support your degree, certificate, or training program. Students in an Accelerated Skills Training or OTECH program will be expected to finish the program in the time allotted for the course or program.

Which Valencia programs are part of the Osceola Prosper Program?

All of Valencia College’s Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Technical Certificates, or Accelerated Skills Training programs, in any of our campuses and locations. Use these links to see your options:

Can I take classes at any Valencia campus or location?

Absolutely! And keep in mind that Valencia has 7 campuses and 5 Centers for Accelerated Training.

Click here to learn a little bit about each one.

Do I have to enroll in an associate degree program to qualify?

No. The Osceola Prosper program will support several options: any of Valencia College’s Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Technical Certificates, or Accelerated Skills Training programs, or technical training programs at Osceola Technical College.

What if I don’t know if I want to earn an associate degree or sign up for short-term technical training?

That’s perfectly okay – and we’ll help! Every student eligible for Osceola Prosper can sign up for a visit to a Valencia campus, where a team of Osceola Prosper Coaches will explain your degree and certificate options. As an Osceola Prosper student, you will also be supported by your advisor in career advising and in selecting and registering for classes.

What if my goal is to earn a Bachelor's degree at Valencia?

Awesome! Osceola Prosper will provide tuition and fees for your Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Technical Certificates, or Accelerated Skills Training programs. And your advisor can help you identify the best pathway to get to your bachelor's degree of choice.

Aside from tuition, what does the Osceola Prosper program cover?

The program will cover any remaining tuition and fees after grants or scholarships are applied. In other words, when you complete the FAFSA, we will look to see if you are eligible for any state or Federal grant or scholarship funds. Then, Osceola Prosper will pay for what’s left.

How will Valencia help me be successful?

You’ll have your very own advisor, your personal connection to the college, services, and overall on-campus experience. Your advisor will guide you in choosing your educational pathway, choosing and registering for classes, etc. We’re also available via phone and email. Call us at 407-582-1507 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or email osceolaprosper@valenciacollege.edu.

Plus, like all Valencia College students, you’ll receive access to a range of supports including:

Online and in-person tutoring and writing support services
Advising to support your success and ensure you’re taking the right courses to graduate
Career services to help you explore career options and pathways
Access to counseling services, including mental health support through BayCare
Paw Pass, free Lynx transportation for every semester in which you’re enrolled
Access to Pooky’s Pantry, food bank services provided in partnership with Second Harvest

How can I prepare to be successful during my first semester in college?

Participate in Osceola Prosper Events & Connect with your advisor

Valencia College will offer several events and workshops for Prosper students over the spring and summer. Be on the lookout for more information on this website, and once you apply, via your Valencia email. Your advisor will also tell you about opportunities to meet some of your future classmates and professors, and to connect with the college--including campus tours.

Begin Exploring Your Educational Options

If you’re not sure if you want to earn an associate degree or sign up for short-term technical training, use these links to begin exploring your options:

Then, when you meet with your advisor, you’ll be able to ask more detailed questions.