Ruby Nava, a member of the Gateway High School Class of 2025, watched as a freshman as Osceola Prosper, the program that offers to pay the tuition and fees for graduating county students who pursue Associate Degrees or career certificates at Valencia College or Osceola Technical College, was announced.
That first year of the program, a gift to the Class of 2022, was funded by federal dollars set aside for the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. In 2023 and ’24, Osceola County funded the program, at a cost of $8 million, from its general fund.
On Thursday, at gatherings of senior classes across Osceola county, officials made a lot of seniors like Nava very happy — Osceola Prosper will extend again for this year’s graduating seniors.
“I heard about this last year. I didn’t know if they’d do it this year, but I hoped,” she said. “Me and my family work, but we’ve been realistic that it’s not enough to live and pay for college.
“I think a lot of my future, and there’s a lot of money that goes into that future,” said Nava, who said she wants to be a radiologist. “I want to walk through the door that’s been opened for us.”
The thinking behind the program has been to provide the opportunity for students who may not have been able to continue their education past the high school level, while helping the County to have a highly skilled workforce for existing and new industries based locally.
County Commissioners Viviana Janer and Peggy Choudhry were special guests at Gateway (“This is the day every year you’re my best friend,” GHS Principal James Long said) and Celebration High on Thursday, to give their senior classes the good news. Other schools were notified by a video.
“We realize that our students are our future, and we must provide the tools for you to be successful,” Janer told the GHS Class of ’25. “Your success will change the tide of our economy and ultimately benefit everyone.”
The students listened attentively … until she uttered the words, “For free!” That was met by an auditorium full of cheers.”
“No matter where life takes you, education is the most powerful tool you’ll ever have,” Janer said. “From personal experience, education is a great equalizer that no one can ever take from you, something you’re doing for you. Here’s to the next chapter of success.”
Since the program’s inception, more than 7,000 graduating seniors have taken advantage of free tuition.
“Four years ago I didn’t think we’d still be doing this, but I’m super excited,” Janer said. “As long as we are able, I hope the County Commission will continue to do this.”
School Board member Bethzaida Garcia, whose District 2 includes the Gateway High zone, said Osceola Prosper sets these seniors up to succeed even after they graduate from Valencia or O-Tech.
“For some of us, it took forever to pay off our student loans,” she said. “They won’t have to worry about that, and they’ll be able to better support their family, or pursue a Master’s degree or a PhD.”
Students who want to take part must fulfill their high school graduating requirements, apply for admission to Valencia College or O-Tech, complete the FAFSA (federal student aid) form, then enroll in classes no later than the Spring 2026 semester.
And now, Nava can enjoy all the things that go into a senior year of high school without the worry of the expense of college.
“I was already worried about grades and GPA,” she said. “Now there’s no stressing out.”
