Photo courtesy SCF.

At State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, we see an upward enrollment trend that includes a greater percentage of students attending classes on one of our three campuses and taking more courses than in previous years.

This fall, we are serving more than 8,600 students, with the majority seeking their associate in arts degree followed by an associate in science or Bachelor of Science degree. SCF students are comprised of 63% female and 37% male, mostly from our local community, with 60 students representing 39 different countries. Our first-time in college students, many of whom are also first-generation, represent the largest group of SCF students. Returning adults, 29 and older, account for 19% of SCF’s total enrollment.

Like many other higher education institutions, SCF thought we would continue seeing our online programs grow. However, we're hearing that students miss being on campus and interacting with their peers, professors and SCF staff either one-on-one or in group settings.  “The engagement, encouragement and interaction with my SCF coach are invaluable,” noted a recent student enrolled in the TRIO student support services program. 

Our facilities, designed with student input, are also high on why students are back on campus. Our Libraries offer the latest technology yet have quiet spaces for students to study or collaborate. It’s also hard to replace the hands-on experience a student receives in a classroom, such as our film and music production studios, manufacturing and production environments, simulated medical and dental settings and bioengineering labs.

It also helps that at SCF, we meet our students where they are. We continuously work to expand programs that are in growing industries, cater our services to be student-centered and conveniently serve our community with flexible enrollment options. 

We’ve added degrees in business, healthcare, public safety and education. We’ve also expanded our partnerships to include prominent certifications such as CompTIA, Microsoft, Python, AWS, Cisco and other popular technologies through our Coding Academy. 

Additional student-centered programming is also bringing students back to campus. Our #GetHired events, which mentor and aim to help students be employed while enrolled or post-graduation, have received more student interest. Student Life offers more opportunities for students to get engaged through clubs and organized events, including advocating for the student body and SCF with our local delegation. SCF's Digital Collective and Entrepreneurship Center at our 26 West Center provides leadership, engagement, and mentoring opportunities with professionals and businesses in the local community to help them discover their passion and potential.

SCF courses and programs also cater to working, family-oriented and returning adult students, with classes offered in just about every format at various times, including evening and weekend options.

I’m proud to say that as your state community college, we continue to be responsive and flexible, providing engaging and accessible learning environments to meet the needs of our local community and its workforce. This is why we’re fulfilling our 2021-26 strategic goal to be the region’s first choice for higher education, economic development, philanthropic investment and cultural fulfillment.

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld is President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

Photo courtesy SCF.