Governor DeSantis Highlights Success in Reducing Nursing Shortages | p6
Program Highlight
Hillsborough Community College
Lineworker Program Graduates Become Apprentice Lineworkers p4
Program Highlight
Gulf Coast State College and Panama City Police Team Up for National Night Out p8
Student Highlight
New Future Of Work Florida
Video Showcasing Student, Parent and Teacher Perspectives p10
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I am honored to step into the role of Bureau Chief for Adult Education within the Division of Career and Adult Education. Working alongside such dedicated professionals is truly a privilege, and I am excited to contribute to our mission of providing high-quality programs that open doors for adult learners statewide.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in a range of educational settings—from classrooms in middle and high schools to adult education programs. These experiences have shown me the power of learning, especially for adult learners who bring exceptional dedication and resilience to their goals. I am committed to ensuring our programs continue to support them in meaningful and practical ways.
In this role, I look forward to collaborating with each of you as we work together to strengthen and enhance our programs. I value your expertise and am eager to support our collective efforts to improve outcomes and make a positive impact on the lives of our learners.
Thank you for the warm welcome. I am excited to begin this journey with you and look forward to the work ahead.
CAROL BRUNER Bureau Chief, Adult Education Division of Career and Adult Education
DeSantis
Building Stronger Community Connections: Gulf Coast State College and Panama City Police Team Up for National Night Out
Graphic Design Student Uses Directconnect Pathway to Go from Seminole State to University Of Central Florida (Ucf)
Hillsborough Community
COllege Lineworker Program
Graduates Fill Critical Role in Tampa Electric’s Hurricane Response
Submitted by Tampa Electric
After graduating from the Hillsborough Community College/ICCE Lineworker Training Program, Nathan Franklin, Earl Gant, Cody Johnson, Joshua Murray, Austin Russell (December 2023 graduates), Mason Berry and Tomas Pascual (May 2024 graduates) were hired by Tampa Electric as apprentice lineworkers. It didn’t take long before these apprentices were put to the ultimate test by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2024. They worked daily 16-hour shifts for about three weeks, setting up the company’s incident bases and delivering essential equipment
and materials to thousands of lineworkers in the field throughout the company’s response to both hurricanes. Their efforts were vital to Tampa Electric’s safe and efficient power restoration to hundreds of thousands of customers impacted by power outages from Helene’s record flooding and Milton’s unprecedented and damaging winds. The apprentices’ skill, commitment and determination proved immeasurably valuable, and their stormresponse roles will evolve with their continued learning and experience on the job.
Student Success Stories
Hear from local students about the impact that CTE has had on their lives through a new video we produced to highlight these important careers.
VIEW THE VIDEO
Governor DeSantis Highlights
Success in Reducing Nursing Shortages Through LINE and PIPELINE Funds
Governor Ron DeSantis visited Daytona State College to highlight Florida’s success in enhancing the nursing talent pipeline through the Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) Fund and the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund. These programs incentivize and reward collaboration and performance in nursing education programs to increase the number of nurses entering the workforce.
Building on his commitment to making Florida the number one state for workforce education by 2030, Governor DeSantis approved $130 million for the PIPELINE and LINE nursing programs in the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget. This funding is in addition to $125 million appropriated in FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24, bringing the total investment to $380 million. Since FY 2022-23, Daytona State College has been awarded over $9 million through PIPELINE and LINE.
“Florida is addressing the nationwide demand for qualified nurses through smart investments in workforce and nursing education,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These two programs are producing results, which is why I will support their full renewal in the upcoming fiscal year.”
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s investment in high quality nursing programs is paying off,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “The PIPELINE and LINE programs are strong incentives for public-private partnership and because of them, we are seeing record numbers of enrollees and completers.”
“Through Governor DeSantis’ leadership and the support of the Florida legislature, our universities are partnering with the private sector to receive mission critical resources needed to graduate more highquality nurses than ever before,” said Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida.
“With the continuation of the LINE and PIPELINE investments, nursing programs will continue to expand and fill a critical workforce need for our state.”
In FY 2023-24, 7,498 students completed a nursing program, which is the highest number in three years. From FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24, enrollment in Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) programs at just the FCS institutions that received LINE funding increased by 25 percent, from 12,456 to 15,636. Additionally, the percentage of completers in ASN programs in those same colleges increased 24 percent, from 2,595 to 3,214.
Florida has invested $46 million in state universities each year since FY 2022-23 to enhance nursing education through the PIPELINE and LINE programs. These
investments have expanded the capacity of State University System nursing programs, leading to a record high of 1,800 nursing graduates.
The LINE program was established in 2022 as a competitive grant opportunity for state universities, school districts, Florida College System (FCS) institutions and independent nonprofit colleges and universities by providing matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis to participating agencies that partner with health care providers. The PIPELINE fund rewards performance and excellence among nursing education programs at state universities, school district postsecondary technical career centers and FCS institutions that offer a licensed practical nurse program.
Gulf Coast State College, alongside its TEMPEST program and TRiO staff at the National Night Out event.
Building Stronger Community Connections: Gulf Coast State College and Panama City Police Team Up for National Night Out
Submitted by Gulf Coast State College
Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) teamed up with the Panama City Police Department to host National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Held on the GCSC campus for the third consecutive year, the event welcomed over 200 attendees and featured participation from more than 55 local agencies and organizations.
National Night Out is an annual campaign aimed at strengthening the relationship between police and the communities they serve. The event provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet local first responders, ask questions and learn about safety in an approachable setting. It’s all about building trust and fostering a
sense of shared responsibility for keeping neighborhoods safe.
“Gulf Coast State College is pleased to be part of National Night Out and work with our community partners to help build a more connected community,” said Glen McDonald, President of GCSC. “National Night Out is a fun and educational event that brings everyone together, and it’s even more special knowing our students and alumni are part of this event.”
During National Night Out, families took part in safety demonstrations and enjoyed various exhibits. GCSC public safety students also volunteered, gaining valuable experience while contributing to the event’s success. There were first responders in attendance who were trained at Gulf Coast, a representation of the college’s role in community safety and education.
National Night Out is celebrated across the country each year on the first Tuesday in August, with millions of participants in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide. Events typically include block parties, cookouts and other activities focused on promoting community safety and cooperation.
Through its partnership with the Panama City Police Department, Gulf Coast State College continues to strengthen ties with the local community, working together to create safer neighborhoods for everyone.
The Bay County Sheriff department displaying their bomb squad equipment, demonstrating the movements of their bomb disposal robot.
A Panama City Police officer plays basketball with an event attendee.
STUDENT HIGHLIGHT
Graphic design student uses directconnect pathway to go from seminole state to university of central florida (UCF)
By Seminole State College student Isaac Mendoza
Going to Seminole State and then transferring to UCF via the DirectConnect allowed me some time to prep mentally and academically for the next stage of my education. Without first attending Seminole, I would have likely experienced culture shock and struggled to adjust to UCF. The smaller class sizes and the personalized attention I received from professors at Seminole were invaluable— something I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. At larger universities, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd, but Seminole provided a strong foundation and the opportunity to develop good academic habits before stepping into a larger, more competitive environment. The access to resources and the community-focused environment were just as beneficial to me as the financial savings from attending a local school. In my career in digital media and marketing, it’s been crucial to communicate effectively with coworkers and teammates across different specialties, even if those areas aren’t my strongest skills. Although I didn’t
master all the aspects of graphic and web design, my exposure to these disciplines at Seminole has given me a deep appreciation for others’ work. This understanding has opened doors to hybrid roles and enabled me to translate ideas and collaborate more effectively between departments.
Attending Seminole State College prepared me for university-level learning and industry networking at a pace and cost that allowed me to grow without burning out or overspending. It provided me with the opportunity to find my stride and sharpen my skills before moving on to the next stage of my life.
Isaac Mendoza
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2023-2024 Florida Apprenticeship Report
Florida Department of Education Announces Over $5 Million Awarded to Strengthen the Teacher Pipeline
Tallahassee, Fla., November 18, 2024 – Today, Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., awarded $5 million through the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grow Your Own Teacher Grant (PCOG GYO), to expand Florida’s teacher apprenticeship program and... Read full press release >>
The Florida Department of Education Launches the XploreFLEd Initiative to Offer Florida Workforce Training Education to Students Nationwide
Tallahassee, Fla., October 30, 2024 – Today, Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. announced the launch of XploreFLEd, a groundbreaking initiative that provides out-of-state students with the opportunity to enroll in select online workforce education... Read full press release >>
Florida Department of Education Awards $62 Million
Through the Workforce Capitalization Incentive Grant Program
Tallahassee, Fla., October 18, 2024 – Today, Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. announced the award of $62 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive (Workforce CAP) Grant Program to create or expand workforce development... Read full press release >>
State Board of Education Applauds Success of Apprenticeship and Preapprenticeship Programs
Tallahassee, Fla., October 15, 2024 – Today, the State Board of Education applauded the success of Florida’s apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs with a new report that showcases the state’s progress toward becoming the #1 state in the nation for workforce... Read full press release >>
