DCAE April Newsletter 2023

FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM MONTH APRIL

Broward County Public Schools McArthur High School’s TV Production Program | p12

College Highlight

IRSC’s Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex

Named Best in Florida.

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Teacher Highlight

Manatee Tech instructor earns professional Master Artist degree.

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Adult Education Highlight

Dixie County Adult Education and GED® Prep Program Opens

New Doors for Local Students

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WELCOME MESSAGE

This April, we are celebrating Florida College System (FCS) Month — a celebration of our state and community colleges dedicated to spreading awareness and highlighting the achievements of FCS educators and students.

It is no surprise to each of you that for six years in a row, Florida’s public higher education system has been ranked number one in the nation – thanks in no small part to Florida’s 28 FCS institutions which serve as the primary access points to higher education for so many Floridians.

This past year, FCS students earned more than 135,000 degrees, certificates, and industry certifications. Since 2019, nearly 210,000 rapid credentials have been awarded to FCS students, with 59,000 just this past year, and students completed 13,000 allied health care programs. With an average salary in the year following graduation for Associate in Science graduates of over $56,000 a year and nearly $65,000 a year for bachelor’s degree graduates, the Florida College System is a fantastic place to learn and earn.

And, that’s in addition to the 76,000 students who earned college credit through dual enrollment –saving their families over $58 million in 2021-22 –and the thousands who complete an A.A. degree and transfer to a university each year through Florida’s renowned 2+2 pathway.

These accomplishments and accolades are earned because of our students’ hard work and because of you – your expertise, community-minded approach, and relentless focus on the success of all of our students.

Thank you, educators. It is a privilege to work with leaders like you who make the FCS the best system in the country.

KATHY HEBDA Chancellor, Department of Education Division of Florida Colleges

IRSC’s Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex Named Best in Florida

Submitted by Indian River State College

The Indian River State College (IRSC) Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex was distinguished as the Best in Florida during the 2022 Fire Service Awards, held in the Senate Chamber at the Florida Capitol on December 13, 2022. The award program recognized Florida’s firefighting community for its outstanding accomplishments in the fire service industry. IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore said,

The 50-acre Complex provides immersive experiences for students in IRSC Public Safety Education programs and certified first responders who seek advanced training opportunities and continuing education in a highly versatile environment. Facilities include a 10,000-square-foot fire station; a six-story fire training tower; a Class-A burn building and a burn field (LP and natural gas) for outdoor fire suppression scenarios utilizing props such as fuel tankers, automobiles, barbeque grills and broken gas lines; and a tactical training village with traffic intersection, buildings, and collapse structure within a road system.

The facility is erecting an additional permanent four-story tower to accommodate the growing enrollment in its A.S. in Fire Science Technology and Basic Recruit Fire Academy and to serve as training grounds for firefighters preparing

We are grateful to Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis for recognizing our outstanding facility and its critical role in ensuring that our first responders are well-prepared to protect our citizens and each other.

for the World Fire Fighter Challenge games. IRSC sponsors the reigning World Champions—the St. Lucie County Fire District Combat Challenge Team.

Dr. Raimundo Socorro, IRSC Dean of Public Safety Education said,

This accolade is a testament to our dedicated IRSC faculty, staff and students and a reflection of the strength of our partnerships with regional fire service agencies. We are honored to share this designation with them.

In addition to serving the training needs of Florida’s firefighting community, the IRSC Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex offers a wide range of educational and professional development opportunities in criminal justice—including the Florida Law Enforcement Academy— and degree and certificate programs in emergency management, homeland security, paralegal and human services. The comprehensive facility features a virtual reality use-of-force training simulator, an Emergency Operations Center, a three-story tactical shoot house, an indoor tactical firearms range, a dive training lake, a mock courtroom, booking and jail cells, a computer crime investigations lab, tactical vehicle training range, human services suite, classrooms and a 450-seat auditorium.

From left, IRSC President Timothy Moore, IRSC Fire Academy Director Mike Kemp, and Dean of Public Service Education Dr. Ray Socorro.

TEACHER HIGHLIGHT

MTC instructor earns professional Master Artist degree

Submitted by Manatee Technical College

Marina Proskurina of Manatee Technical College in Bradenton was one of only 24 in the country in 2023 recognized for superior image making with Professional Photographers of America’s (PPA) Master Artist degree.

The degree was presented to Proskurina by PPA president Jeff Dachowski, M. Photog. Cr., CPP, at the association’s annual conference, Imaging USA 2023, in Nashville, TN, in January.

According to the PPA, the Master Artist degree is an achievement of the highest caliber. It means that Proskurina has met the standards of excellence set by PPA. Proskurina was awarded the Master Artist degree in recognition of her superior photographic competence and enhancement of images with artistic techniques as demonstrated through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession.

Proskurina’s Master Artist degree—and all

the expertise it requires—illustrates her accomplishments and talent as one of a select few.

Proskurina said,

In the academic world, she holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. She has earned international acclaim and numerous awards for her imaginative works of art.

Proskurina has taught Digital Design and Photography at Manatee Technical College since 2012. Her students are regular medal winners at state SkillsUSA competitions.

As a professional degree, it means even more to me than my academic degree.

Marina Proskurina at the Imaging USA Photography Conference in Nashville

Dixie County Adult Education and GED® Prep Program Opens New

Doors for Local Students

Submitted by Florida Gateway College

Florida Gateway College (FGC) is preparing students in Dixie County for rewarding careers and further education with Adult Education and GED Test prep classes.

Since February of 2022, Florida Gateway College has been offering GED® prep courses at the FGC Dixie Center in Cross City, FL, the only program of its kind in Dixie County.

Through a dynamic community outreach campaign including distribution of brochures, flyers posted in area businesses, yard signs throughout the community, and social media promotion, FGC staff have attracted the interest of potential students in Dixie County. Open House events and program orientations have allowed those interested to visit the Dixie Center, learn about the services offered, and meet with the exceptional staff who make the program a success.

In its first semester, the program served five enrollees. The program’s second

semester in operation, Fall of 2022, saw a significant increase with 16 students registered in the GED® prep courses. To date, three students have completed the program, attained their State of Florida High School Diplomas, and are ready to enter the workforce or continue with their educations. Students served range from 16 to 69 years of age.

Students at Dixie County Adult Education

The inception of the program was made possible through an Adult Education Grant awarded to the college in January of 2022. Partnerships with community and county organizations have been instrumental in making sure that the funds are utilized in the most efficient and impactful manner. FGC has joined forces with community partners including CareerSource Florida Crown, the Dixie County Education Foundation, Dixie County School District, and the Dixie Adult Welding Program to serve local students as they chart their course for the future.

Space in FGC’s Dixie Center facility has been renovated to create a new computer lab and GED® classroom dedicated to instructing program enrollees. The addition of eight computers for student use and two GED® testing computers, along with other technology upgrades, gives students all the tools they need to complete the program coursework and sit for their final GED® Test. With flexible and innovative scheduling, Dixie Center staff has created an accessible, student-focused program that serves the county’s students when and where they need it.

Dixie County Adult Education Center

The Florida Department of Education Hosts Apprenticeship Accelerator Events

By the Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education has teamed up with an abundance of sponsors to host Apprenticeship Accelerator events.

In March, the Department hosted five events across Florida with a focus in emerging industries, supply chain, logistics and transportation, advanced manufacturing, construction, and information technology.

The accelerators were designed with one goal in mind — to showcase that the Registered Apprenticeship model is a viable training option. At each of these events, the Department brings in industry experts and peers to showcase the benefits of apprenticeships, funding opportunities and how to get started.

Apprenticeships are a proven training method benefiting both job seekers and businesses. They are gaining momentum as a cost-effective alternative or addition to the college track. The flexibility for an employer to design an apprenticeship program offers a consistent way to recruit,

train and retain talent that can be easily blended into current talent development strategies.

Employers train and retain talent to their own standards. Unlike traditional postsecondary education programs, which are designed to prepare students for any number of career pathways, apprenticeships are designed by and for the employer with a specialized focus on the unique needs of a specific job.

Today, apprenticeships are expanding across both traditional and nontraditional industries into more than 1,200 occupations, including careers in information technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, construction, hospitality, and trade and logistics. Prepare for tomorrow by introducing new skills and valuable experience in the workplace today.

View and register for upcoming events at ApprenticeshipAcceleratorFL.com.

McArthur High School’s TV Production Program

Submitted by Broward County Schools

Ben Hope has been in TV production for over 20 years. He has directed live newscasts, produced, edited, and created set designs. At one time or another, he’s done pretty much everything in the television business.

Ben decided it was time to give back to his community and the way to do that was to give his experience to a new generation of TV production personnel. Ben is now a teacher at McArthur High School. In his class, he teaches the fundamentals of TV productions. He built a studio in the back of his classroom to provide students an

opportunity to work on studio productions.

What Ben is most proud of is the TV club. The club has created an original show featuring six characters of students with real-life problems. The team has writers, directors, producers, camera people, and actors. Ben is able to show them step-bystep how to create a show from beginning to end.

The TV club has already premiered their first episode and is working on episode two now. They hope to have six episodes done by the end of the school year.

College S ystem M onth

AW A RENESS T OOL K I T

April is recognized as Florida College System Month. Florida’s 28 FCS institutions are the primary access points to higher education in our state, opportunities for all eligible students. Join us in celebrating our GREAT 28!

FLORIDA LITERACY COALITION PRESENTS THEIR 2023 Florida Literacy Conference

Submitted by Florida Literacy Coalition

Join hundreds of adult and family literacy practitioners, volunteers and adult learners on May 10-12th to network, develop new skills and share promising practices during the 2023 Florida Literacy Conference. This premier literacy event offers a wide range of sessions presented by local, state and national educators. Sessions are designed to energize you with new ideas and handson strategies that you can put to work for your program and students. Sessions promise to be interactive and are sure to help expand your knowledge on a variety of topics related to adult basic education, literacy, ESOL and family literacy.

For more information and to register for the conference, please visit this website.

GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS RECOGNIZES FEBRUARY AS CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

~ Governor Ron DeSantis Recognizes February as Career and Technical Education Month ~

Tallahassee, Fla., February 7, 2023 – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. commemorated February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. CTE Month is observed to recognize the accomplishments of students and educators and highlight the collaboration among local leaders, businesses and industry partners that contribute to the success of CTE programs across Florida. A copy of the Governor’s proclamation on CTE month can be found here (PDF).

Read more >>

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S DIVISION OF BLIND SERVICES (DBS) ANNOUNCES FIRST IN THE NATION JOB APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

~ Florida Department of Education’s Division of Blind Services (DBS) Announces First in the Nation Job Apprenticeship Program ~

Daytona Beach, Fla., March 2, 2023 – Today, the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Blind Services (DBS) announced a first in the nation, state agency led registered apprenticeship program to create employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals, training them to enhance website accessibility for internet users for all disabilities. The Department’s new Web Accessibility Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program combines on-the-job training with educational instruction to progressively increase workers’ skill levels, wages and career options. Graduates will also receive internationally recognized portable credentials, and their training may be applied toward further post-secondary education.

Read more >>

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL 2023 IS FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM MONTH

Florida’s 28 Florida College System institutions are the primary access points to higher education in our state, providing affordable, accessible and high-quality postsecondary education opportunities for all eligible students.

APRIL IS AUTISM MONTH

National Autism Awareness Month represents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and to draw attention to the tens of thousands facing an autism diagnosis each year.

APRIL IS FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

National Financial Literacy month is recognized each year in April to raise public awareness of the importance of financial literacy and maintaining smart money management habits.

APPRENTICESHIP ACCELERATOR | APRIL 19 | HEALTHCARE AND EMERGING INDUSTRIES

Join us for an exciting introduction to Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) as a model to strengthen your workforce pipeline.

POSTSECONDARY QUARTERLY WEBINAR | APRIL 17

These quarterly webinars serve as a point of contact between the Division of Career and Adult Education and the educators, administrators, and staff of postsecondary institutions.

STATE APPRENTICESHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING | APRIL 19

The purpose of the State Apprenticeship Advisory Council (SAAC) is to provide input to the Florida Department of Education on matters relating to Registered Apprenticeship. The SAAC is a welcome opportunity for those involved with Registered Apprenticeship matters to have an open forum to review and analyze issues that impact programs and operations.

APPRENTICESHIP ACCELERATOR | APRIL 27 | HEALTHCARE

Join us for an exciting introduction to Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) as a model to strengthen your workforce pipeline.