February 16, 2025 | Dr. Jeffrey Allbritten
Florida’s colleges continue to lead the nation in educational achievements. For eight consecutive years U.S. News and World Report has ranked Florida number one in higher education, and the last two years Lightcast has named Florida number one in Talent Development nationally. With over half of public higher education enrollment being at state colleges, the Florida College System (FCS) is a key part of this success and a preferred choice for Floridians.
With more than 36 years of experience in higher education I have seen the true potential of increased funding to generate real, positive change in our state institutions. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative we invest in Florida by accelerating what is already in motion, our workforce. There is no better way to do this than by investing in our state’s workforce engine, the Florida College System.
The Florida College System is not just valuable to students, it also benefits the state economy. Our institutions have a 90% job placement rate within one year of graduation, and 95% of FCS students stay and work in Florida after graduating. We don’t call ourselves Florida’s workforce engine for nothing − the facts speak for themselves.
The quality programs at FCS institutions are training the next generations of workers, bringing valuable skills to their communities. From certification programs to associate and bachelor’s degrees, the FCS gives Floridians chances to easily enhance their skillset.
Currently there are 1.5 million adults with some college credit but no credential in Florida, as well as 1.9 million adults with no high school diploma. The FCS is perfectly positioned to help these students finish out their credentials and enter the workforce, given the accessibility of FCS programs.
This year, the Council of Presidents’ main legislative priority is securing $200 million in new, recurring funding to the Florida College System. With these funds, the System will get the chance to invest in crucial initiatives like technology hardening, recruiting and retaining the best faculty, innovating how we support students, and keeping higher education available to all. Additionally, we are requesting dollars to repair and maintain our buildings, some of which have experienced extensive damage these last few years following several major storms.
As past experience shows, funding the Florida College System pays off, big time. Two years ago, when the Legislature invested $100 million into the Florida College System, the System realized a 5.4% increase in enrollment, 6.9% increase in completions, and a whopping 15.4% increase in industry certifications attained. With double that, even more growth and successful outcomes can be expected.
FCS institutions touch the lives of thousands of Floridians and benefit the communities around them. It is undeniable that this funding is crucial to creating the accelerated workforce that Florida needs.
Dr. Jeffery S. Allbritten is the president of Florida Southwestern State College and current chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents.
This opinion piece originally ran in the Fort Myers News-Press: https://www.news-press.com/story/opinion/2025/02/16/key-to-floridas-workforce-lies-in-the-state-colleges-opinion/78490442007/
