ORLANDO, Fla. – It was an exciting day for roughly 900 seniors at two Orange County schools.
Students at Evans High and Jones High School packed their gymnasiums to get a big announcement.
“Every graduating senior from both Evans High School and Jones High School has guaranteed no out-of-pocket cost for tuition and fees at Valencia College,” said Dr. Kathleen Plinske, president of Valencia College.
“I’m very happy because it will be so helpful for me and my mom because she is a single mother with me and my little brother,” Lourmika Occean explained. “So it will be really, really, really helpful.”
The opportunity is through Valencia College’s College Access program, which allows students the opportunity to earn an associate degree or technical certificate. Lift Orlando was one of the community partners to help fund the program.
“It meant a lot. This is my alma mater,” said Vicki-Elaine Felder, Orange County Public Schools District 5 commissioner, who graduated from Jones High School. “To give every senior who wants to go to school, they can go.”
“It was really exciting because now the financial barrier of going to college is relieved,” said Beyonca Desamour, a student at Jones High School.
“You can’t beat that. I’m just so excited. I’m elated,” Felder smiled.
For more details on the program and options for students, click here.
