Become a Horizon Scholar - Take Stock Student
The Valencia Horizon Scholars – Take Stock in Children Program is a scholarship, mentorship, and college readiness program designed to help Orange County students in grades 9-12 achieve their dreams and impact their community in their own positive way.
By participating in the Horizon Scholars - Take Stock in Children Program, students engage in comprehensive multi-year programming, including hands-on learning opportunities to help lay the foundation for their future, making higher education possible.
Applications will be open
May 1 - July 11, 2025!
For more information about becoming a Horizon Scholar - Take Stock Student, please contact us at 407-582-3008, or email us at horizonscholars@valenciacollege.edu.
Students Receive:
- A two-year Florida Prepaid Scholarship to use at any public institution in the state of Florida. *Awarded upon successful program completion and graduation from a public high school in the state of Florida.
- A volunteer mentor from the community who they will meet with a minimum of 15 times per year.
- College and life-skills readiness workshops to support personal and professional growth.
- Support with community service hour completion.
- A College Success Coordinator from our team who meets with students a minimum of once per quarter.
- Academic support to maintain the required 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- Accountability support to help ensure they maintain an academic record that does not include excessive absences or behavioral issues.
Sign-up for an information session to learn more!
Eligibility
Student Eligibility:
- Meet the income requirements as outlined on this page. Proof of financial eligibility will need to be submitted with the student application. *Acceptable documents include 1040 tax form, proof of HUD or SNAP assistance with the student listed as a dependent.
- Be an 8th grade student in Orange County Public Schools.
- Have at least a 2.3 overall GPA.
- Complete an application and if selected, participate in an interview (parent/guardian is expected to attend as well).
- Have a desire to attend college or a technical school after high school.
*Reminder: Total income before taxes, social security, health benefits, union dues, or other deductions must be reported.
Income Requirements:
|
Household Size |
Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 | $557 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 | $753 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 | $949 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 | $1,340 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 | $1,536 |
| 7 | 90,003 | $7,501 | $1,731 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 | $1,927 |
| Each additional family member add: |
$10,175 | $848 | $196 |
Apply Now
Apply Online: The Horizon Scholars - Take Stock in Children Application will be available online May 1 for current eligible 8th graders in Orange County, Florida. The application takes approximately 45-minutes to complete and you will need to upload your financial eligibility documents to complete the application.
Deadlines & Completing Your Application
Deadlines to Apply:
8th grade applications will close July 11, 2025.
Applications should include the following:
- Student statement
- Parent statement
- Financial Eligibility Forms: Acceptable documents include 1040 tax form, proof of HUD or SNAP assistance with the student listed as a dependent.
- Once you have submitted a complete application you should receive an email from Take Stock in Children confirming submission. Valencia College Horizon Scholars is the Orange County affiliate for Take Stock in Children.
*Please do NOT use an OCPS email address on your application. This will prevent you from receiving important interview updates and selection information.
What to Expect After You Apply:
- Application will be reviewed and students will be invited to interview. *Please contact HorizonScholars@valenciacollege.edu if you have not heard back two weeks after your grade's application deadline to apply to confirm we received your application.
- Students will be informed of the program decision shortly after their interview.
- Selected students will participate in an induction ceremony or contract signing to officially join the Horizon Scholars - Take Stock in Children Program.