Seminole State Commits offers workforce training in underserved areas

Seminole State College of Florida strives to enhance the educational, economic and cultural vitality of our region by providing exemplary learning opportunities for the diverse community it serves.

The Seminole State Commits program, in collaboration with founding partners Seminole County, the city of Sanford and Orlando Health, offers workforce training and supportive services free of charge to students in underserved neighborhoods in Seminole County. The goal is to ensure all county residents have access to education and training to create a pathway to a stable, family-sustaining and fulfilling career.

The Seminole Board of County Commissioners has pledged $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the initiative, which seeks to provide employers with the workforce talent needed to ensure businesses thrive and grow.

“We are grateful to Seminole County, the city of Sanford and Orlando Health for partnering with us for this important initiative,” said Dr. Georgia Lorenz, president of Seminole State College. “We are also thankful to the Seminole Board of County Commissioners for funding the program. Their commitment speaks not only to the strength of our partnership but also to the faith they have in us to deliver.”

The courses are offered as not-for-credit, continuing education coursework in high-demand fields that will lead to jobs. Because the coursework is derived from credit programs, the modules completed by the students can be articulated into credit toward a certificate or degree.

Students may pursue continuing education, not-for-credit coursework in high-demand areas to quickly gain skills, knowledge and certifications needed for employment. Examples include Microsoft Office and foundational Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) work safety certificates.

Seminole State Commits will work with employer partners to create job opportunities for students. The program will identify employer partners who have hiring needs in skill areas where Seminole State can offer short-term, condensed education opportunities with long-term goals to gain the commitment of employer partners to sponsor interns and/or hire people at their companies.

In November, the first cohort of students completed a pilot business certificate program course at the Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center in Goldsboro. The five students celebrated their achievements with a graduation recognition at a city of Sanford commission meeting.