Florida Celebrates April as Florida College System (FCS) Month
April 1, 2022
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Florida Celebrates April as Florida College System (FCS) Month
Tallahassee, Fla., April 1, 2022 – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran recognized April as Florida College System (FCS) Month. Florida’s 28 FCS institutions are the primary access points to higher education in our state, providing affordable, accessible and high-quality postsecondary education opportunities for all eligible students. Since 2019, Governor DeSantis and Commissioner Corcoran have focused on expanding opportunities at these institutions through a variety of state investments, including job growth grant fund awards and workforce education initiatives. As a result, FCS institutions are expanding opportunities for students in technologies such as 3D printing, drones, financial technology, cybersecurity and autonomous vehicles.
“Our Florida College System provides incredible opportunities for Floridians who desire workforce training or to pursue a degree, and they are a big reason why Florida is ranked #1 for higher education,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I will continue to prioritize investments in Florida’s state and community colleges, and I am proud to celebrate April as Florida College System Month.”
“The Florida College System boasts alumni in every important employment sector in our state,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “That is a testament to the passion of college system educators and the hard work of degree- and credential-seeking students. Together, we are the envy of other states. With Governor DeSantis’ visionary support, the future of the Sunshine State is only getting brighter.”
Florida’s higher education system has ranked #1 in the nation for the past five consecutive years, according to U.S. News and World Report, and the distinction is significantly due to the success of the Florida College System. State and community colleges are often students’ first choice for higher education opportunities, with enrollment exceeding 640,000 students during the 2020-21 school year and FCS institutions conferring over 119,000 degrees and certificates during the period. In addition, over 40 percent of upper-division state university students were once enrolled in an FCS school.
“The 28 institutions of the Florida College System provide an array of world-class, affordable education programs that give all Floridians real access to success. It is an honor to work with our dedicated FCS leaders who are making a college education and economic mobility a reality for residents of every neighborhood in our state,” said Florida College System Chancellor Kathy Hebda.
The Florida College System is integral to Governor DeSantis’ goal of becoming the #1 state in workforce education by 2030. Since 2019, more than 37,900 students have earned rapid workforce credentials and more than 17,400 allied health care programs have been completed. Additionally, more than 88 percent of all FCS graduates go on to contribute to local businesses within one year of graduation, according to the Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program.
The Florida College System also supports students with differing backgrounds and career goals. Last year, the statewide network of FCS institutions welcomed nearly 78,000 active-duty military personnel, veterans and reservists, as well as their spouses and dependents. Another 78,500 dual-enrollment high school students were able to earn college credit at an FCS school, collectively saving millions of dollars on tuition and books, and 62 percent of all enrollees were minorities.
Florida College System Month Proclamation (PDF)
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