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One of the questions I hear most often is: "What exactly does SCF offer?"

My usual response is that it might be easier to tell you what we don't offer.

As State College of Florida (SCF), Manatee-Sarasota grows, so do the opportunities available to our students and community. From healthcare and business to teacher preparation and emerging technology, our programs span so many disciplines it can be hard to remember. For example, we offer multiple degrees in Business, Education, Technology and Health Sciences that encompass many of the professions that keep our communities thriving.

When I speak with local employers, business leaders and community partners, the conversation often returns to the same priorities: educating future teachers, preparing healthcare professionals, developing business leaders, and expanding opportunities in technology and workforce development. Those priorities align directly with the programs SCF delivers every day.

Whether students are pursuing nursing, teacher preparation, business management, accounting, coding, cybersecurity, hospitality management, or countless other career pathways, SCF is committed to providing affordable, accessible opportunities that meet both individual aspirations and community needs. We are preparing students for meaningful careers while helping meet the workforce needs of Manatee and Sarasota counties.

At the same time, SCF's story is not defined by a single type of student. On any given day, our classrooms may include a recent high school graduate, a parent pursuing a new career, a veteran transitioning to civilian life or an adult returning to college after years away. We serve elementary students through youth programs, workforce professionals seeking new credentials and lifelong learners pursuing personal enrichment.

That is why we often say: At SCF, we meet you where you are. We're Everyone's College.

That commitment extends beyond the classroom. SCF's nursing program is consistently recognized among Florida's best, and our graduates are making an impact throughout healthcare, education, business, and technology sectors across our region. We are proud to provide programs and training that help employers meet workforce demands while creating opportunities for students and families.

Affordability remains central to our mission. In an era of rising costs, SCF has not increased tuition in 15 years, helping students pursue higher education without taking on excessive debt. Whether students plan to transfer to a university, earn a bachelor's degree, complete a workforce certificate, or gain new skills for career advancement, SCF offers pathways that are accessible, flexible, and focused on success.

We are also proud of the momentum we continue to see across the College. This fiscal year, SCF experienced a 7.9% increase in full-time, First-Time-in-College enrollment, demonstrating that more students are choosing to begin their educational journey with us. Looking ahead, we anticipate continued enrollment growth, reflecting continued confidence in the value and quality of an SCF education.

The variety of degrees we offer in Business, Education, Technology and Health Sciences represents something that has defined SCF for seven decades: a commitment to providing the education, training and support our community needs to thrive.

The next time you're out in the community, ask a business owner, public servant, teacher, web designer, nurse, dental hygienist, or radiologic technologist where they earned their education. Or ask where they're encouraging their children or grandchildren to begin their college journey.

Chances are, you'll hear the same answer: SCF.

And for many longtime residents, it may still be the institution they affectionately refer to as Manatee Junior College or Manatee Community College.

Regardless of the name, the mission remains the same: providing opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and serving our community. That's what SCF has done for seven decades, and it's what we will continue to do for generations to come.

Tommy Gregory, J.D., is the President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

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