KISSIMMEE, Fla. — There's exciting news for graduating seniors in Osceola County next year.

The Osceola County Board of Commissioners announced Friday that they will fund free college tuition for every graduating senior that wants to attend Valencia College or Osceola Technical College upon graduation.

For the third year, commissioners approved $8.3 million dollars to fund the efforts.

Students attending private and charter schools, as well as those who are home-schooled can take advantage of the free tuition.

Officials said the free tuition demonstrates everyone’s efforts and commitment to education in the county

Gateway High School Principal James Long said he believes the money is a good investment for everyone involved.

“For a high school principal, you take everything in your students’ lives personally," he said. "They are like your kids — I have 1,700 kids — so when you see opportunity for them, you get really excited for what they can do and what they can be."

Gateway High School senior Maria Suarez attended the announcement by the county.

“This means for me that I have a future," she said. "I can go somewhere from this."

Suarez  said she plans to attend Valencia for free and then transfer to the University of Central Florida.

The high schooler moved from Columbia to Florida one year ago and was not sure what she was going to do with her life.

But she says having the opportunity to go to college is a dream for her, and believes it will open the doors for many graduating seniors next year.

“They have a path to go, they have somewhere to go, they have in option,” said Suarez.

For those students and parents interested in the free tuition are encouraged to visit Osceola Prosper website for more information.