April marks a significant celebration in Florida as the state acknowledges the immense contributions of its 28 state colleges. These institutions are recognized as vital to the region’s educational access and economic prosperity. With Florida leading the nation in higher education and workforce development, the state’s colleges are a testament to its success.
Tallahassee, Fla., April 1, 2026 – Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas announced the commencement of Florida College System (FCS) Month. He emphasized the crucial role these colleges play in providing affordable, quality education that minimizes student debt, noting, “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.” Governor DeSantis’ continued investment in career pathways and campus safety underscores the commitment to maintaining high standards.
Senior Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell praised the system’s innovation and effectiveness, stating, “Florida’s college system is second to none, leading the nation with innovation and purpose.” He highlighted the over 800 career and academic programs that prepare students with practical skills for the workforce, thereby enhancing their future prospects.
Significant financial support has been channeled into workforce education since 2019, exceeding $12 billion. This investment has yielded impressive outcomes, with FCS students earning 137,090 degrees and certifications in the 2024-25 academic year. Notably, industry certifications rose by over 8%, building on the previous year’s 15% increase, equipping students with career-ready skills. Enrollment in Career and Technical Education has surged by 54% since the 2018-19 academic year, with more than 293,000 students participating in 2024-25.
Key Achievements of the Florida College System
- Maximizing Degree Value: In the 2023-24 academic year, nearly two-thirds of Associate in Arts graduates moved into bachelor’s degree programs, while almost 90% of workforce program graduates found employment or pursued further education in the state.
- Supporting Military Families: The 2024-25 academic year saw over 43,000 active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, and their families enrolled in colleges. The Purple Star Campus Designation, awarded to 19 colleges since 2023, honors exceptional support for military students.
- Dual Enrollment for High Schoolers: FCS institutions enrolled 103,668 secondary students in college credit and career dual enrollment, providing significant tuition and fee savings for Florida families, totaling over $95 million.
- Promoting Civic Literacy: More than 127,000 courses in U.S. History and Government with civic literacy were completed by FCS students in 2024-25, illustrating a strong commitment to graduating civically engaged citizens.
For more details on the Florida College System, visit: www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/.
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