Education

Florida County Hurt by Pandemic Offers Tuition to Graduates

Published

4 years ago

May 14, 2022

Valencia College Osceola Campus. Photo: Valencia College.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (AP) — After two years of a pandemic that battered the workforce of this tourism-dependent county in central Florida, leaders had a gift for departing high school graduates this month: free tuition at either the local community college or the county technical school.

Osceola County commissioners announced earlier this year that they would set aside $12 million in federal COVID-19 funding to pay the tuition of any 2022 high school graduate who wanted to go to Valencia College or the county technical school.

“I didn’t have anybody to pay for my college,” Madilyn Hilder, an Osceola High senior who lives with her grandmother, told the Orlando Sentinel. “Money was always the thing that was going to keep me from going to college.”

Because of the program, Osceola Prosper, Hilder said she will now start her studies in elementary education at Valencia College in August, with plans to later transfer to the University of Central Florida.

The goal of Osceola Prosper is to boost education levels past high school and raise the prospects for better-paying jobs for Osceola residents, said Brandon Arrington, chairman of the county commission.

“I think a lot of people think, ‘If I go to college, I’m going to have $100,000 worth of debt,’” Arrington said.

Osceola County is home to large numbers of tourism workers for Orlando area hotels, restaurants and theme parks. During the early months of pandemic-related business closures, the county had the highest unemployment rate in Florida, reaching 14.4% in 2020.

The county previously had offered $500 scholarships to encourage students to study at Valencia College. The new program will cover the $3,000 a year costs of studying full time at the community college.

Because the available funds are limited, the program is only for 2022 graduates.

Guidance counselors at Osceola County’s high schools said they have been having more conversations with students about continuing their education.

Those conversations usually start with, “Now you have this option, what are your thoughts?” said Kendyl Bass, the college and career specialist at Osceola High. “It has changed a lot of people’s minds.”

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Central Florida News

Festival of Trees Marks 40 Years With Holiday Displays, Santa Breakfasts and Parties

Published

3 weeks ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Orlando Festival of Trees Returns Nov. 14–22 for 40th Anniversary at Orlando Museum of Art

The nine-day celebration benefits the Orlando Museum of Art and its educational programs.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Festival of Trees will return to the Orlando Museum of Art Nov. 14–22, celebrating its 40th anniversary with designer-decorated trees, visits with Santa, holiday workshops and evening parties.

Presented by the Council of 101, with AdventHealth as platinum presenting sponsor, this year’s festival carries the theme “Forty Seasons of Joy.” Its design inspiration comes from the ruby, a traditional symbol of a 40th anniversary.

The museum will feature more than 50 designer-decorated trees, along with wreaths, tablescapes, holiday vignettes, a Gingerbread Village and a Holiday Boutique, according to organizers.

“Whether you’re bringing the children to meet Santa, gathering friends for a festive night out or finding inspiration for your own holiday decorating, there’s a way to make the season your own at Festival of Trees,” said Elizabeth Benoist, president of the Council of 101.

Hours, Tickets and Museum Support

The festival will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nutcracker Café will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

General admission costs $23 for adults and $15 for children ages 3–12. Seniors, active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators qualify for $15 admission with valid identification.

Guests can purchase designer trees, wreaths and gingerbread creations, enter drawings for tabletop displays and participate in a silent auction. Proceeds support the museum and its educational and lifelong-learning programs.

“We’re excited to welcome guests back for another memorable celebration that supports the Orlando Museum of Art and the important role it plays in enriching our community through art and education,” Benoist said.

Santa Breakfasts and Family Celebrations

Breakfast with Santa returns Nov. 14, 15 and 21 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Families can reserve tables for four, six, eight or 10 guests, with prices ranging from $185 to $460.

The breakfasts include a hot meal, crafts, face painting, photos with Santa, balloon artists and early access to the festival.

The Reindeer Romp Children’s Holiday Party takes place Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with VIP admission beginning at 5:30 p.m. Activities include photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, holiday sing-alongs and reindeer stilt walkers.

Tickets cost $35 per adult or child of any age, or $40 for VIP admission. Dinner will be available for purchase at the café.

Holiday Parties and Evening Events

The celebration begins before the public opening with the Opening Night “TreeView” Party on Nov. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening includes entertainment, food offerings and a ceremonial tree lighting. Guests receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine and two drink tickets; a cash bar will also be available.

Other evening events include:

Event	Date and time	Admission
Ugly Sweater Holiday Party — Live music, a holiday sweater contest and cash bar	Nov. 14, 7:30–9:30 p.m.	$40
Festival After 5 — After-hours displays and Holiday Cookie Stops; food and beverages sold separately	Nov. 19, 5:30–9:30 p.m.	$15 adults; $10 children
Sip & Sleigh Cocktail Party — Adults-only evening with jazzy holiday music; food and drinks sold separately	Nov. 21, 7–9 p.m.	$35

Decorating, Beauty and Entertaining Workshops

The festival’s workshops offer ideas guests can bring into their own holiday celebrations.

Workshop	Date and time	Ticket price
From the White House to Your House — Winter Park interior designer Lindsay Matteoni shares stories, photographs and tips from volunteering to decorate the White House for Christmas	Nov. 14, 3:30–5 p.m.	$65
Shimmer & Spice — Film and television makeup artist Leslie Christin demonstrates holiday makeup techniques	Nov. 15, 1:30–3:30 p.m.	$65
The Festive Platter — Chef-led appetizer demonstration, tastings and take-home recipes	Nov. 15, 3:30–5:30 p.m.	$70
Baubles & Branches — Bow-making techniques and seasonal decorating tips	Nov. 21, 3–5 p.m.	$65

The makeup workshop is limited to 25 guests, who should bring a hand or stand mirror. Participants in Baubles & Branches may bring their own ribbon or use materials provided.

Special-event tickets are priced separately from general admission and include festival admission, according to organizers.

Special Days Honor Seniors and Community Heroes

Salute to Seniors takes place Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering guests ages 60 and older $15 admission and special entertainment.

Heroes Day, scheduled for Nov. 22 during the same hours, offers $15 admission with valid identification to active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators.

New Café Operator Supports Hunger Relief

Plate Above Catering, a catering company of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, will operate The Nutcracker Café this year.

Organizers said the partnership connects the festival’s support for arts education with local hunger relief efforts.

Tickets, special-event details and updates are available at councilof101.org. Follow @FestivalofTreesOrlando on Facebook and @councilof101oma on Instagram.

Central Florida News

Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding

Published

3 weeks ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding

Separate $250,000 state appropriation will help launch a dual enrollment nursing program.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Bethune-Cookman University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has secured nearly $5.2 million in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration, marking the university’s first funding award from the agency, according to B-CU.

Separately, a $250,000 appropriation from the state of Florida will help launch the university’s new dual enrollment nursing program.

Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding

First HRSA Funding for B-CU

The university described the federal award as a first for the institution. The information provided identifies the College of Nursing and Health Sciences as the recipient but does not specify the award’s programs, spending timeline or anticipated number of participants.

Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding

State Funding Supports Nursing Program

The state appropriation will support the launch of B-CU’s dual enrollment nursing program. It is separate from the nearly $5.2 million in federal funding.

Central Florida News

UCP Charter Schools, UCF Launch Community Schools Initiative to Expand Student and Family Support

Published

4 months ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — UCP Charter Schools and the University of Central Florida have launched a new partnership to expand academic, health and family support services through the U.S. Department of Education’s Full-Service Community Schools initiative.

The federally funded Unlimited Potential Initiative (UPI) will establish Community Schools at UCP Bailes Community Academy, UCP Downtown and UCP Pine Hills Charter School beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Two additional UCP campuses are scheduled to join the initiative in January 2027.

University-Assisted Community Schools Model

The initiative is a collaboration between UCP Charter Schools, the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute (TJEEI) and the UCF Center for Community Schools (UCF CCS).

Together, the partners will implement the University-Assisted Community Schools model, which brings together schools, families, higher education institutions, community organizations and local stakeholders to address barriers to student success while improving educational and family outcomes.

Expanded Student and Family Services

Through the partnership, UCP Charter Schools and UCF will enhance and expand services that include:

After-school enrichment programs
Academic support services
Health and wellness resources
Family engagement opportunities
Connections to community-based services

Community Input Will Guide the Initiative

As implementation begins, UCP Charter Schools and UCF’s Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute will conduct comprehensive needs assessments at each participating campus.

Families, students, school staff and community partners will be invited to participate through surveys, focus groups and stakeholder meetings. Feedback gathered during the process will help shape each school’s Community School plan and future programming.

“Community schools are most successful when they build upon the strengths and priorities of the communities they serve,” said Dr. Matthew Marino of UCF’s Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute. “We are excited to partner with UCP Charter Schools to develop sustainable systems of support that connect students and families with the resources, opportunities and relationships that contribute to long-term success.”

Serving More Than 2,100 Central Florida Students

UCP Charter Schools serves more than 2,100 students across Central Florida through an inclusive educational model designed to provide individualized learning opportunities and support for every student.

School leaders said the organization’s longstanding commitment to customized education, family engagement and community partnerships positions it well to implement the Community Schools model.

“At UCP, we have always believed that schools can serve as the hub of their communities,” said Anna Morin, associate superintendent of UCP Charter Schools and project liaison for the initiative. “This partnership will allow us to deepen our work with families, expand access to critical resources and create new opportunities for students to thrive. Most importantly, the needs and voices of our families, students and staff will guide the development of each school’s Community School plan.”

Shared Commitment to Student Success

The Community Schools initiative reflects a shared commitment between UCP Charter Schools and UCF to strengthen educational achievement, increase family engagement and develop sustainable partnerships that support the whole child and the entire family.