The state awarded Florida State College at Jacksonville a $897,577 grant as part of the $25 million Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Program.
The program provides students with opportunities for hands-on educational experiences in career and technical education.
The grant, announced April 9, will assist dual enrollment programs focused on welding and medical assistance, supporting supply and equipment purchases.
Two Duval County Public Schools high schools, A. Philip Randolph Career Academies and Frank H. Peterson Academies, will build-out and expand their labs to enhance student learning and prepare them for certification exams.
“This is a great collaboration between us and our partners to provide pathways in dual enrollment programs, working closely with DCPS to update equipment, provide industry standard training experiences and prepare students for their future,” FSCJ Dean of Workforce Education Greg Wurth said in a news release.
The upgraded labs and learning spaces will allow high school students to begin working on postsecondary vocational career certificates with no out-of-pocket costs.
“In Florida we have become the number one state in the nation for talent development by making strategic investments in our workforce. We will continue to equip students in our state with the skills they need to succeed, without being burdened by debt,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in the news release from his office announcing the award.
FSCJ has nearly 40,000 students enrolled and awards more than 5,000 degrees and certificates each year.