Heart of Florida United Way to open first Osceola County community school at Osceola High in 2026

Jeff Hayward, president and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way, introduced Kelly Astrow, senior vice president for community impact, who told the Kissimmee City Commission that the organization will launch the inaugural community school in Osceola County at Osceola High School in August 2026. "We are in fact launching the first, the inaugural community school in Osceola County at Osceola High School," Astrow said during the presentation.

Astrow described community schools as partnerships that co-locate school districts, health-care providers, higher-education partners and nonprofits to deliver wraparound supports on campus. She said the model rests on four pillars — collaborative leadership, expanded learning, wellness supports and family and community engagement — and emphasized long-term partner commitments of 10 years or more.

Partners named for the Osceola High site included Orange Blossom Family Health as a health-care partner, Rollins College and the University of Central Florida as higher-education partners, and the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida for after-school programming. Astrow said services expected on campus include on-site medical, dental and vision care, mental-health counseling, after-school enrichment, mentoring and tutoring, parent workshops and on-site markets for food and clothing. She also cited existing United Way programs that will be braided into the site, including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance for eligible families and the organization’s education programs.

Astrow pointed to outcomes seen elsewhere: she said Evans High School in Orange County saw graduation rates rise from about 63% to about 93% after community-school interventions, though she added that outcomes vary by community need. Hayward said United Way will hire teams and staff now and that program planning and partner agreements are underway.

Commissioners thanked the presenters and offered brief praise; no formal vote was required for the informational presentation. The city manager and commission encouraged continued coordination as the project moves from planning toward implementation.

Next steps: Heart of Florida United Way and district partners will continue design and staffing work in advance of the projected August 2026 opening; the commission did not take a formal action on this presentation during the meeting.