2 + 2 Associate Degree and Other Community College Partnership Programs

Associate Degree Programs

Among the best workforce development programs established with Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) dollars have included five 2+2 Associate Degree Programs in partnership with Corridor community colleges. Specifically, they are:

• Microelectronics Manufacturing - Valencia Community College - $150,000;
• Biotechnology - St. Petersburg College - $125,000;
• Modeling, Simulation and Training - Daytona Beach Community College - $150,000;
• Photonics - Various community colleges - $150,000
• Information Technology Security - Manatee Community College - $80,000
• Wireless Technology - Polk Community College - $100,000

As well, an additional 2+2 Degree Programs is under development:

• Digital/Dynamic Media - Seminole Community College - $150,000

Within each of the 2+2 programs, the community college collaborates with one or more of the universities with a goal of assuring that after the first two years of a student's college career at the community college level, there is a program available to achieve a bachelor's degree. This provides a seamless educational opportunity, assuring future employers a well-trained workforce.

The 2+2 associates degrees are designed to enable graduates to get technician jobs in the industry and/or enter the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida, the University of Florida (under review) - or other four year institutions - as a junior to continue their education to eventually achieve a bachelor's degree. More than $1,000,000 in FHTCC funds have been or are being matched with community college and corporate resources to establish these technician degrees.

Other Community College Partnership Programs Under Development

• Aerospace - Brevard Community College - $150,000 budgeted

For the first time in the history of America's aerospace program there is now a training process that assures key knowledge of entry level technicians involved in the launch process. This FHTCC-supported program has now been exported to a nationwide consortium of 10 traditional community colleges, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Community College of the Air Force.