Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas announced on April 1 the start of Florida College System (FCS) Month, recognizing the contributions of Florida’s 28 state colleges to postsecondary education and economic growth. The announcement comes as Florida continues to lead national rankings in higher education, workforce training, graduation rates, affordability, and talent retention.
The observance aims to draw attention to the role of the FCS as a primary gateway for students seeking affordable and high-quality programs that limit student debt. Kamoutsas said, “I’m proud to celebrate our Great 28. Florida is the number one state in workforce education, and our colleges are essential to that success. With high-quality, affordable programs that limit student debt, the FCS sets the national standard for excellence. Governor DeSantis continues to invest in expanding career pathways and strengthening campus safety, and our colleges are putting those investments to work with student results that speak for themselves.”
Senior Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell also commented on the impact of FCS institutions: “Florida’s college system is second to none, leading the nation with innovation and purpose. With more than 800 career and academic programs, the FCS puts students on a path to prosperity and equips them with hands-on experiences and the skills needed for Florida’s future workforce. I am honored to recognize our dynamic colleges for helping students succeed and for delivering workforce solutions statewide.”
Since 2019, more than $12 billion has been invested in workforce education across Florida. For the 2024-25 academic year alone, FCS students earned over 137,000 degrees or certificates; industry certifications increased by more than eight percent from last year after a fifteen percent rise previously. Career and Technical Education enrollment has grown fifty-four percent since 2018-19.
The Florida Department of Education operates from its headquarters at West Gaines Street in Tallahassee. It oversees public education throughout Florida—from early childhood through higher learning—and works alongside parents, educators, and communities to advance student achievement according to its official website. The department provides support through academic resources as well as school choice options while administering K-12 schools along with higher education initiatives focused on career development.
More information about ongoing efforts within Florida’s college system can be found at www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/.
