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Column: Community colleges keep Florida working

 
Published Jan. 27, 2015

Florida businesses need an academically and technologically prepared workforce to succeed, which makes the strength of our higher education system a major factor in attracting new business to Florida. We are fortunate to have the Florida College System as the primary access point to higher education in Florida.

Serving nearly 1 million students annually, the college system is committed to providing access to high-quality, affordable academic and career education programs that maximize student learning and success. Our system supports the state's economy by providing education and training for Florida's critical workforce needs.

Ninety-eight percent of FCS graduates stay in Florida, contributing their acquired skills and training to the state's economic development. With 28 public colleges throughout the state, the system has a $27 billion economic impact.

It is more important than ever to prioritize the goals of the Florida College System for the upcoming year as the Florida economy continues to expand and the demand for skilled workforce grows exponentially.

The system has been highly successful as evidenced by the many national awards and recognitions received by our institutions from the American Association of Community Colleges and the Aspen Institute, to name a few. Nevertheless, we know that changing times and demographics demand that we enhance traditional, access-oriented education by focusing on ensuring our students are successful once they achieve their ultimate goal of completion and employment. The year ahead offers opportunities to continue improving our student-centered approach.

Higher education is evolving to have an increased focus on performance funding, and the economic landscape in Florida is changing. The college system has always been and will continue to be accountable for student performance. It must respond rapidly and strategically to serve the state. We can do this in three effective ways:

Expand critical workforce areas. By expanding workforce training programs, the college system can help more Floridians gain skills that are critical to the region where they live. The college system will work to respond efficiently to meet the demand of employers this year 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 outside of the classroom are key to student success. Academic and support services guide students through their academic careers. Academic support, learning assistance, advising and mentoring improve a student's ability at graduation to get a job or transfer to a college or university. Expanding academic support services plays a crucial role in student success and will be a major focus in 2015.

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Maintain affordability. A college's capacity to serve is based on two factors — 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. Florida is recognized nationwide for its overall value in public higher education — affordable tuition being a large component. The college system 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 is plateauing at an unprecedented level. 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 most successful college systems in the nation, the FCS, with the vital support of the Legislature and governor, will continue to concentrate on delivering the talent Florida needs to become the No. 1 job creator in the nation.

Jim Henningsen is the chairman of the Florida College System's Council of Presidents and president of the College of Central Florida.