Lift Scholars

Free college for 2026 – 2029 Jones High School graduates

Students graduating from Jones High School in 2026–2029 are guaranteed admission to Valencia College and can attend for free. With Lift Scholars, you have up to five years to earn an associate degree or technical certificate, or complete Accelerated Skills Training (AST)—a short-term program that prepares you for a high-demand job in two to 28 weeks.

See student reactions to learning about the College Access Program

College Access Events Contact Lift Scholars

For More Information

407-582-1507

Standard Hours

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

How it works

Your first step to attending Valencia College for free is to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Lift Scholars will pay all tuition and fees not covered by your FAFSA award.

The result is that you pay no out-of-pocket costs for tuition and fees when you attend Valencia College for an associate degree, technical certificate or Accelerated Skills Training. Even your Valencia College application fee is free.

Guaranteed Admission

Your standard high school diploma guarantees you admission to Valencia College.

Eligibility Requirements

Let’s start by making sure you’re eligible for this scholarship.

Eligibility for the scholarship is based on meeting these requirements:

Must be a 2026-2029 graduate of Jones High School with a standard high school diploma (no GED or homeschool)
2026 Graduates can enroll as early as Summer (June 8), Fall 2026, and no later than Spring 2027 to be eligible for the program
Must complete all steps to enrollment, including Residency for Tuition Purposes where applicable.
Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – unless enrolled in an AST program

FAFSA School Code

Valencia College

006750

Your FAFSA must be received and processed before you’re eligible for Lift Scholars.

Eligible? Take these required steps.

Qualified students are required to follow the steps listed here. Contact us if you have questions.

Apply

Apply to Valencia College.

FAFSA

2026 graduates, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and send it to Valencia College.

Steps to Enrollment

Upon graduation, send your final High School transcripts, complete Florida Residency and attend Orientation.

Enroll

2026 graduates, enroll at Valencia College by Spring 2027 at the latest.

Step 1

Apply to Valencia College.

You’re guaranteed admission—and even your application fee is free.

Credit AST

Step 2

Complete the FAFSA.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and send it to Valencia College (code 006750).

(FAFSA completion is not required for AST students.)

FAFSA

Step 3

Complete all Steps to Enrollment, including:

Send your official final high school transcripts to Valencia College.
Complete your Florida Residency documentation.
Attend Orientation.

Download Checklist

Step 4

2026 graduates, enroll at Valencia College by Spring 2027 at the latest.

Search Courses

Step 5

Enroll for the Summer Institute.
Attend the Lift Scholars Summer Institute to prepare for college success.

College Access Events

Frequently Asked Questions

Lift Scholars Eligibility Requirements

2026-2029 Jones 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 2026 must enroll by Spring 2027
- Class of 2027 must enroll by Spring 2028
- Class of 2028 must enroll by Spring 2029
- Class of 2029 must enroll by Spring 2030

Lift Scholars 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

Column 1 Title	Column 2 Title
What is the Lift Scholars Program?	Lift Scholars is an incredible gift from Lift Orlando to students who graduate from Jones High School. The program, initiated in 2026, 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 Lift Scholars program pay for?	Lift Scholars 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. It does not cover textbooks or materials.
What do I need to do?	Apply for Admission to Valencia College or Accelerated Skills Training Program and complete the residency for tuition purposes process. 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. Earn a Standard High School Diploma and send your official, final high school transcript to Valencia College. Enroll in at least one class no later than the Spring term following your high school graduation date. Class of 2026 must enroll by Spring 2027 Class of 2027 must enroll by Spring 2028 Class of 2028 must enroll by Spring 2029 Class of 2029 must enroll by Spring 2030
Who is eligible for the Lift Scholars program?	Students who graduate from Jones High School. 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 Valencia College using school code 006750. Jones High School graduates must be enrolled at Valencia College within the first year after high school graduation.
If I earn a Certificate of Completion, am I eligible for Lift Scholars?	Unfortunately, we are only able to offer this program to graduates who have 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 Lift Scholars 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. It is essential to complete these 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 Lift Scholars will not pay out if your FAFSA remains incomplete. Make sure you enter the correct school code when submitting your FAFSA: Valencia College: 006750
I am a Dual Enrollment student. Do I qualify?	Yes. Jones High School dual enrolled seniors who graduate high school are eligible for Lift Scholars. 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 Lift Scholars one-credential degree promise.
How do I apply for Lift Scholars?	There's no separate Lift Scholars application. If you're a high school graduate from Jones High School, complete these steps to participate: Apply to Valencia College, complete 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 one year after high school graduation. Lift Scholars Enrollment Cycle Class of 2026 must enroll by Spring 2027 Class of 2027 must enroll by Spring 2028 Class of 2028 must enroll by Spring 2029 Class of 2029 must enroll by Spring 2030 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 Campus over the next few months to help you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the application for admission. You can also check out these online resources to help you complete the FAFSA. We are also standing by, ready to help you with questions. 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 have 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 what you can do to prepare to be successful during your first semester in college.
What is 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 Program by the Spring semester (after graduation) to qualify for the Lift Scholars program.
How do I stay enrolled in Lift Scholars?	To remain eligible for Lift Scholars 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 Lift Scholars program. Stick to courses required for your Program. Lift Scholars will only cover tuition and fees for courses that are required for your selected degree or certificate program. Plan to finish by Class of 2026 – Summer 2030 Class of 2027 – Summer 2031 Class of 2028 – Summer 2032 Class of 2029 – Summer 2033 That's the latest semester you will receive Lift Scholars 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 Lift Scholars 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: Degree Programs Accelerated Skills Training Programs
Can I take classeCan I take classes at any Valencia campus or location?s at any Valencia campus or location?	Absolutely! And keep in mind that Valencia College has 10 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 Lift Scholars 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 Lift Scholars, you can schedule a visit to a Valencia campus where our team will walk you through your degree and certificate options. As a Lift Scholars 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! Lift Scholars 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 Lift Scholars does not cover bachelor’s degree coursework.
Aside from tuition, what does the Lift Scholars program cover?	Aside from tuition, the Lift Scholars 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 Lift Scholars covers any remaining balance.
Will my textbooks be covered by Lift Scholars funds?	Unfortunately, Lift Scholars does not cover textbooks.
Am I eligible for Lift Scholars if I have Florida Prepaid?	Yes! If you would like to use your Lift Scholars 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 VCentials, the student pantry and food bank services provided in partnership with Second Harvest.
How can I prepare to be successful during my first semester in college?	Participate in Lift Scholars Events and connect with your Success Coach. Valencia College will offer several events and workshops for Lift Scholars students over the spring, summer and Fall semester. Be on the lookout for more information on this website, in our Lift Scholars 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: Degree Programs Accelerated Skills Training Programs Then, when you meet with your Success Coach, you'll be able to ask more detailed questions.