Florida businesses need an academically, technologically prepared workforce to succeed, which makes our higher education system's strength a major factor in attracting new business to Florida.
The Florida College System, serving nearly 1 million students annually, is committed to providing access to high quality, affordable academic and career education programs that maximize student learning and success.
It is more important than ever to prioritize the Florida College System's goals for the year as the Florida economy continues to expand, and the demand for skilled workforce grows exponentially.
We can do this in three effective ways:
•Expand critical workforce areas: By expanding workforce-training programs, the FCS can provide the opportunity for more Floridians to gain skills critical to the region in which they live.
The college system will respond efficiently to meet employers' demands by optimizing alignment of certificate and degree programs with regional workforce needs. These efforts will build a pipeline of talent, helping Floridians gain employment while supporting the state’s economy.
•Expand academic support: Services such as academic support, learning assistance, advising and mentoring improve a student’s ability to ultimately secure upon graduation either job placement or transfer through our seamless 2+2 to a college or university.
Expanding academic support services plays a crucial role in student success and will be a major focus in 2015.
•Maintain affordability: A college’s capacity to serve is based on tuition and state investment. Maintaining affordable tuition is a priority for the colleges, the Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott.
Without tuition increases, we must increase our capacity to serve by committing as a state to an investment in our future talent.
The FCS wants to ensure the cost of college is not a burden to the student, and therefore needs an appropriate investment from the state.
Following years of dramatic growth during the recession, FCS student enrollment has reached an unprecedented plateau. An increased investment from the state is essential to help us enable more students to excel in Florida’s most in-demand occupations.
As one of the nation's most successful college systems, the FCS, with the Legislature and Scott's vital support, will continue to concentrate on delivering the talent Florida needs to become the nation's No. 1 job creator.
LOCAL EDUCATION'S IMPACT:
•98 percent of Florida College System graduates stay in Florida, contributing their acquired skills and training to the state’s economic development.
•With 28 public colleges throughout the state, the FCS has a $27 billion economic impact.
Source: Florida College System
Dr. Jim Henningsen is the chairman of the Florida College System’s Council of Presidents and president of the College of Central Florida.
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: GUEST COLUMN: Ensuring jobs, economy take Florida College System's focus