Staff Report

LAKE WORTH, Fla. – Individuals looking to quickly upskill, or reskill, to become more marketable in an economy impacted by COVID-19 will find scholarships and accelerated training opportunities at Palm Beach State College through a $1.3 million grant from the Florida Department of Education. Palm Beach State has partnered with FDOE in the statewide Get There Florida workforce education initiative, announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sept. 24.

PBSC’s grant is part of the $35 million awarded to Florida’s higher education system to provide training solutions for people impacted by the pandemic.

The funds were made available through the Governors Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“Palm Beach State has been the leading provider of workforce education in Palm Beach County for decades, but with this generous grant, we have a unique opportunity to reach those who need us most at this pivotal time,” said PBSC President Ava L. Parker.

“RAPID CREDENTIALING” “Through our industry-driven rapid credentialing programs, wraparound stu dent services, and committed community partners, we’ll be able to increase access to training and desirable career paths and remove barriers to student success.”

The Get There Florida initiative aims to bring attention to the short-term career and technical education programs available at Florida’s state and technical colleges.

Career and technical education, often referred to as “CTE,” serves as a critical component in preparing individuals for occupations important to Florida’s economic development.

“Get There accelerates student success, preparing them for their future and ensuring a talented workforce,” said Kathy Hebda, chancellor of the Florida College System.

“With 28 state colleges and 48 technical colleges and centers spanning the state, there is a program for everyone,” Hebda said. “Whether you’ve recently experienced job loss, graduated high school or are simply looking for a career change or opportunity to stack your credentials into a degree – we want to help you Get There.”

At Palm Beach State, students can choose from 25 rapid credentialing programs and quickly gain the critical workforce skills needed in Palm Beach County’s essential and emerging industries – industries that were selected with input from CareerSource Palm Beach County.

$250K IN SCHOLARSHIPS The grant also enables the College to invest in new equipment and technology for these programs, hire additional faculty and advisors, and provide $250,000 in scholarships. PBSC’s rapid credentialing programs span all industries, including advanced manufacturing, computer science, energy, construction trades, environmental science, health care, transportation, public safety, hospitality, graphic design and film.

All programs take a year or less to complete and lead to a career certificate and/or industry certifications.

Programs include:

• Alternative Energy Engineering

• Graphic Design Support

• Hazardous Materials Specialist

• Food Service Management

• Lean Manufacturing

• Marine Service Technology

• MSSC Certified Production Technician

• Medical Assisting

• Network Security

• Welding

For other information visit palmbeachstate.edu/rapid-credentialing or contact Erik Moncada, student recruitment coordinator, at 561-868-3373 or moncadae@palmbeachstate.edu.