In Orlando and Orange County, local college help may come through Valencia College Foundation or the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools (Foundation for OCPS), but the organizations serve different groups. Valencia runs scholarships for its college and technical-certificate students. Foundation for OCPS brings together donor funds aimed mainly at public-school district students, with some awards restricted by school, program, or activity.
Valencia lists 165 scholarships for Spring 2027 through Scholarship Universe. The general application deadline is Sunday, October 18, 2026. The platform asks eligibility questions and displays matching opportunities for students to complete. A separate UCF transfer award is also open: two $7,150 scholarships for Valencia graduates from summer or fall 2026 who enter UCF in fall 2026 or spring 2027, with a distinct application due October 25.
Valencia awards do not share one universal amount; check enrollment, major, GPA, credits, and allowed expenses in Scholarship Universe. The college’s priority date to complete a Spring 2027 financial-aid file is November 13, separate from the scholarship deadline. An award may reduce a balance but does not automatically eliminate tuition, books, transport, or housing costs; ask Valencia for an updated estimate of what remains due.
Foundation for OCPS says most 2026–27 applications will run from November 16, 2026, through February 28, 2027. Its portfolio includes broad awards and others limited to Edgewater graduates, students at specified schools, volunteer service, leadership, CTE, debate, STEM, or financial need. The published examples include $1,000, $1,500, $2,000, $2,500, and $3,500 awards, each belonging to a different fund and possibly carrying extra criteria. This is not a general pool open to every Orlando resident.
OCPS applicants create an account, read each fund’s criteria, complete the application, and submit it. Many awards require a written or video essay; the foundation says AI-generated text will be disqualified. Valencia College Foundation is the immediate route for enrolled students pursuing a degree or certificate; Foundation for OCPS may be more relevant to district seniors who fit a targeted award.
If you attend Valencia and are also an OCPS public-school student, check both processes and apply separately if eligible. The pages do not promise that awards can be stacked without changing other aid; ask each institution. Valencia lists foundationscholarships@valenciacollege.edu and 407-582-3150; Foundation for OCPS lists focpsscholarships@ocps.org and 407-317-3261. Put the deadlines on a calendar: Valencia’s is days away, and OCPS opens the following month.
Valencia College Foundation Scholarships — Valencia College Foundation.
Foundation for OCPS Scholarship Portfolio — Foundation for Orange County Public Schools.
Guide checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Amounts, eligibility, and dates refer to the stated cycles; check the next official call before applying.
Prioritize Valencia by October 18 if you already study there; prepare for OCPS with its school- and district-specific criteria.
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These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Valencia College Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 3028, Mail Code DO-41, Orlando, FL 32802-3028
For Spring 2027, the foundation lists 165 scholarships and accepts applications through Scholarship Universe, which matches answers to eligibility questions with opportunities. The page invites currently enrolled students pursuing a degree or technical certificate. A separate UCF transfer award offers two $7,150 scholarships to Valencia graduates from summer or fall 2026 who transfer to UCF in fall 2026 or spring 2027.
Donor-funded institutional scholarships for Valencia College degree and technical-certificate students
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools Scholarships
445 West Amelia Street, Suite 901, Orlando, FL 32801
The foundation distributes donor awards with varied criteria: some are limited by high school, district, program, career and technical education, service, need, or major. The 2026–27 listing includes examples of $1,000, $1,500, $2,000, $2,500, and $3,500 awards, but there is no universal amount or single residency rule for the full catalog.
Community scholarship portfolio for eligible Orange County Public Schools students in Orlando, Florida
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Valencia College Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Valencia College Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Valencia College Foundation Scholarships ↗
Primary source
Valencia College Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Valencia College Foundation Scholarships ↗
Primary source
Valencia College · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Foundation for Orange County Public Schools Scholarships ↗
Primary source
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.