College Access

College Access Program Scholarships

The College Access Program is a scholarship initiative that makes it possible for students to earn an associate degree or technical certificate, or complete Accelerated Skills Training (AST) with no out-of-pocket costs.

College Access scholarships are available to current graduates of specific high schools, and scholarship terms may vary between those high schools.


Call Enrollment Services
407-582-1507
Standard Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8am – 10pm ET
Friday: 9am – 10pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 5pm ET

Summer Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8am – 10pm ET
Friday: 8am – 5pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 5pm ET

Spring Break Hours

Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 5pm ET

Holiday Hours

Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm ET
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 8 am – 5 pm ET
Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm ET
Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm ET

Holiday Hours

During the closure, you can call between 9am - 5pm for general assistance any day except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

College Access Scholarships

College Access Program Overviews

College Access high school students in class smiling
Jones and Evans High School
2025 Graduates

Free college for 2025 graduates of either Jones High School or Evans High School. Check your eligibility and see your next steps.

College Access two high school student smiling with palm trees in background
Jones High School Lift Scholars
2026–2029 Graduates

Free college for every 2026–2029 Jones High School graduates. Check your eligibility and see your next steps.

Osceola Prosper high school student smiling
Osceola Prosper
2025 Graduates

Free college or technical education, courtesy of Osceola Prosper, made possible by the Osceola County Commission. This gift is for all graduates from high schools in Osceola County, including public schools, charter schools, private schools and all homeschool grads.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

College Access Eligibility Requirements

  • 2025 Jones High School and Evans High School Graduate
  • Earned a standard high school diploma
  • Submitted official HS Transcripts, FAFSA, and Proof of Florida Residency
  • Declared major
  • Enroll by Spring term following high school graduation:
  • Class of 2025 must enroll by Spring 2026

College Access Maintenance Requirements

  • File FAFSA every year
  • Obtain at least 12 credits per academic year
  • Choose courses in compliance with your major
  • Uphold a 2.0 GPA or higher
  • Secure your credential within 5 years
Question Answer
What is the College Access Program? College Access is an incredible gift to students who graduate from Jones High School and Maynard Evans High School. The Program, initiated in 2025, covers tuition and fees (after any grants or scholarships a student receives) at Valencia College or the Accelerated Skills Training through a student's graduation or program completion.
What does the College Access program pay for? College Access pays for tuition and fees (after any grants, including Pell grants, or scholarships a student receives) at Valencia College or the Accelerated Skills Training through a student's graduation or program completion.
What do I need to do?
  1. Apply for Admission to Valencia College or Accelerated Skills Training Program and complete the residency for tuition purposes process.
  2. Complete the FAFSA and use school code 006750 to ensure your information is sent to Valencia College. After submitting the FAFSA, be sure to monitor your application and emails closely. This way, if any additional information or verification is requested, you will be aware and can address it promptly to ensure the FAFSA is processed and completed.
  3. Earn a Standard High School Diploma and send your official, final high school transcript to Valencia College.
  4. College Access Program Enrollment Cycle
    • Class of 2025 must enroll by Spring 2026
Who is eligible for the College Access program?

Students who graduated from Jones High School and Maynard Evans High School in 2025. Students must earn a Standard High School Diploma and apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must ensure the FAFSA is sent to the institution.

Please include Valencia College’s school code 006750.

Jones and Maynard Evans High School graduates must be enrolled in Valencia College within the first year after high school graduation.

If I earn a Certificate of Completion, am I eligible for College Access?  Unfortunately, we are only able to offer this program to graduates who earned a standard diploma. 

Why do I have to submit proof of Florida residency? 

All students are automatically assigned Non-Residents. To ensure that you are being charged the appropriate fees and tuition, you must submit proof of Florida residency. 

Am I still eligible for College Access if I am not a Florida resident? 

Yes, the program covers out of state costs. However, please visit First Stop to determine eligibility for Florida Residency. First Stop | Student Services 

I submitted the FAFSA. What’s next?

After submitting your FAFSA, monitor your application and email regularly for additional information or verification requests additional information or verification. It is essential to complete these requests promptly to ensure your FAFSA is fully processed, and your financial aid is finalized. An incomplete verification will prevent your FAFSA from being processed, and College Access Program will not pay out if your FAFSA remains incomplete.

Make sure you entered the correct school code when submitting your FAFSA:

  • Valencia College: 006750
I am a Dual Enrollment student. Do I qualify?

Yes. Jones High School  and Maynard Evans High School dual enrolled seniors who graduate high school are eligible for College Access.

Dual Enrollment students who earn their Associate in Arts Degree during or before High School graduation will be eligible for a Technical Certificate, an Accelerated Skills Training Program, or an Associate in Science Degree.

Students earning their Associate in Arts Degree after High School would have met the College Access one-credential degree promise.

How do I apply for College Access?
  • There's no separate College Access application. If you're a high school graduate from Jones or Maynard Evans High School, complete these steps to participate: Apply to Valencia College, follow the steps to enrollment, and register for at least one course, or an Accelerated Skills Training program, in the first Summer, Fall or Spring semester after graduation. Students must enroll within their first year after graduation. (Spring2026)
  • College Access Enrollment Cycle
    • Class of 2025 – Must have enrolled no later than Spring of 2026
  • Complete the FAFSA* (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status or other issues, please meet with a Financial Aid Specialist at Valencia for other options.
*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 West campuses over the next few months to help you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the application for admission. We are also standing by, ready to help. Email us at collegeaccess@valenciacollege.edu.
I have already applied to Valencia College for Fall. 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.
  • Complete the FAFSA* (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). 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.
  • Ensure your final high school transcripts are sent to Valencia College.
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 by the Spring semester (after graduation by Spring 2026) to qualify for the College Access program.

How do I stay enrolled in College Access?

To remain eligible for College Access until you complete your Program (A.A., AS, Technical Certificate, Accelerated Skill Training (AST)), 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, 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 College Access program.
  • Stick to courses required for your Program. College Access will only cover tuition and fees for courses that are required for your selected degree or certificate program.
  • Plan to finish by
    • Class of 2025 – Summer 2029

That's the latest semester you will receive College Access funds to support your degree, certificate, or training program. Students in an Accelerated Skills Training program will be expected to finish the Program in the time allotted for the course or Program.

Which Valencia programs are part of the College Access Program?

All of Valencia College's Associate in Arts, Associate in 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 College 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 College Access program will support several options: any of Valencia College's Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Technical Certificates, or Accelerated Skills Training programs.

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

That’s completely okay—we’re here to help. If you’re eligible for College Access, you can schedule a visit to a Valencia campus where our team will walk you through your degree and certificate options. As a College Access student, you’ll also receive ongoing support from your Success Coach with career advising and help selecting and registering for classes.

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

Great goal! College Access can cover tuition and fees while you complete an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Technical Certificate, or Accelerated Skills Training program. Your Success Coach will work with you to identify the best pathway to prepare you for your chosen bachelor’s degree.

Please note that College Access does not cover bachelor’s degree coursework.

Aside from tuition, what does the College Access program cover?

Aside from tuition, the College Access program covers required fees after all grants and scholarships are applied. Once you complete the FAFSA, we review your eligibility for state and federal aid first, and College Access covers any remaining balance.

Will my textbooks be covered by College Access funds? 

Unfortunately, College Access does not cover textbooks.

Am I eligible for College Access if I have Florida Prepaid? 

Yes! If you would like to use your College Access funds first, you will have to defer your Florida prepaid by filling out and submitting this form every semester by the specified deadline.  florida-prepaid-authorization-form.pdf 

How will Valencia help me be successful?

Your Student Success Coach will guide you in choosing your educational pathway, choosing and registering for classes, etc. Schedule a visit valenciacollege.edu/students/advising/

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 student 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 College Access Events and connect with your Success Coach.

Valencia College will offer several events and workshops for College Access students over the spring, summer and Fall semester. Be on the lookout for more information on this website, in our College Access Launchpad, and once you apply, via your Valencia email. Your Success 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 Success Coach, you'll be able to ask more detailed questions.

 


Need more details or information, reach us at 407-582-1507 or collegeaccess@valenciacollege.edu.