ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The entire student body at one Orange County school is getting an opportunity for free college tuition.
On Wednesday, every student at Jones High School learned they’ve received a scholarship for free college or technical education at Valencia College.
Jesus Mayoral Salinas is a senior at Jones and was in the gymnasium when the announcement was made.
“I’m absolutely stoked. Hearing them actually saying we have a full ride to Valencia, man my heart was beating back there,” Salinas said.
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The surprise was made possible through donors to the Valencia College Foundation, including Lift Orlando.
Lift Orlando is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening historic neighborhoods around Camping World Stadium.
“It’s special milestone for us,” Lift Orlando President Eddy Moratin said. “It’s our hope for Jones High School to be known as a school where 100 percent of our kids go to college and have brilliant careers.”
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Students have up to five years to take advantage of the scholarships, which can be used toward an associate degree or hands-on technical training programs.
“Helping them envision a future for themselves and their families that, perhaps, they used to think was out of reach, but now is possible as a result of today’s announcement.” Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske said.
It’s an opportunity many students thought wasn’t possible, but now fuels motivation and hope for the future.
“I feel actually determined to actually go to college now,” Salinas said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
For more details about Valencia’s College Access Program scholarships, visit ValenciaCollege.edu.