Enrollment in the Florida College System has grown by 23 percent over the past three years, while state appropriations have been reduced by more than 14 percent.

Governor's recommended $67 million infusion will help Florida's unemployed retool for new jobs

FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM ENROLLMENT NEARS ONE MILLION AS RECESSION PUSHES UNEMPLOYED TO GET NEW SKILLS

February 03, 2009

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida College System presidents today lauded Gov. Charlie Crist's recommended $67 million additional investment in the system's 28 institutions, which represent Florida's key access point to higher education at the Florida Association of Community Colleges' Legislative Summit in Tallahassee.

Enrollment in the Florida College System has grown by 23 percent over the past three years, while state appropriations have been reduced by more than 14 percent. That means, even after accounting for tuition increases, the Florida College System is serving more than 70,000 unfunded students.

"The Florida College System means access to quality, affordable higher education for nearly a million Floridians," said Dr. Charles Dassance, President of Central Florida Community College. "There has never been a more important time to keep the doors wide open."

The Florida College System is Florida's first choice for postsecondary education, with 58 percent of high school graduates choosing to enter the Florida College System in 2007-2008. In addition, half of the State University System's upper division students began their postsecondary education in the Florida College System.

With a Florida College System institution within 60 miles of every Floridian, the system also serves as a key access point for older students. Currently, one in five students enrolled in lower level courses are age 26 to 35, while one in four are older than 35. This population makes up an even greater share of upper level courses, in which nearly 32 percent are age 26 to 35 and nearly 42 percent are older than 35.

"The best way to address unemployment is to give Floridians the skills and education to compete for jobs in Florida's emerging industries," said Will Holcombe, Chancellor of the Florida College System. "This investment provides relief for Floridians today while growing the workforce we need to be competitive tomorrow."

Because the Florida College System institutions are closely aligned with Florida's business community, they play a key role in meeting Florida's future workforce needs by preparing students for emerging jobs.