March 2018
IN THIS ISSUE
Spotlights
Tallahassee Community College Women's Basketball Team Win National Title
 
 
 
 

Message from Chancellor Madeline Pumariega
Throughout the month of March, many of our colleges held events to celebrate the contributions of women throughout history as part of Women's History Month. The trailblazing women who came before us, through bravery and dedication, paved the way for equality by breaking down barriers and forging change across social, cultural, political and economical systems.
 
According to the Independent Women's Forum, the United States has seen significant progress in the representation of women in education and the workplace. Women are markedly more educated today. In 1970, 34 percent of women had less than a high school diploma. Today, 94 percent of women have a high school diploma. Four times as many women held bachelor's degrees in 2016 as in 1970. Nearly 60 percent of women participated in the labor force in 2016, compared to 33 percent in 1948. The labor force participation rate has also increased for mothers with children under 18 by more than 20 percentage points. More than nine million women-owned businesses employed nearly eight million people in 2015, generating more than $1.5 trillion in sales. The percent of self-employed women has increased from 27 percent in 1976 to 39 percent in 2016. Women have become the sole breadwinners in 40 percent of American households, up nearly 30 percentage points from 1960. Women also outnumber men in large industries including education and health services, financial activities and leisure and hospitality. 
 
Despite the progress and achievements that have been made, there is still work to be done. Particularly as it relates to educational attainment and employment, there is an underrepresentation of women, particularly women of color, in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, according to the National Science Foundation. Many of our colleges have implemented programs designed to reverse those trends and encourage women to pursue degrees and careers in STEM.
 
For example, Polk State College reaches out to girls early - in fourth to eighth grade - to instill the idea that education and a career path in STEM are attainable. With support from a grant from the GiveWell Community Foundation, the Polk Girls in STEM program provides Lake Wales students with mentoring and support from scientists and students from Polk State College. This program supports additional efforts already underway in Polk county to forge a STEM pipeline for girls and women. 
 
Palm Beach State College partners with Florida Atlantic University on Tech Trek Florida. Founded by the American Association of University Women, Tech Trek Florida annually hosts a week-long camp for young girls to urge them to consider a future as a scientist, engineer, mathematician or computer specialist. During the week, participants are immersed in hands-on activities in fields such as robotics, computer security and engineering, and have the opportunity to engage with STEM professional women as role models.
 
At Eastern Florida State College, the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) program is open to all students. This program, which is also run at other colleges and universities across the country, seeks to recruit, retain and advance underrepresented groups pursuing credentials and jobs in the science and engineering fields. Students participate in mentorship activities with accomplished professions, attend seminars on relevant topics and are also eligible for scholarships and internships specific to science and engineering industries. 
 
We applaud these colleges - and other colleges with similar programs - for their ongoing efforts to support women in STEM. As we look to the future, we recognize the courage and sacrifice of women who impacted their communities and our country; those who turned the wheel of progress for future generations. I am inspired to think of the progress that will be made in the years to come as we continue to support and provide opportunities for women in education and the workforce.


With great appreciation,


Madeline Pumariega
Chancellor
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program 
The Idea Center at Miami Dade College is empowering women programmers alongside Girls Who Code, a national non-profit organization working to close the gender gap in technology. The Summer Immersion Program, hosted by Girls Who Code, is leading the movement to inspire, educate and equip young women with the computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities.
 
The program is a seven-week learning adventure for 10th and 11th grade high school students held annually in various cities across the country and is free of charge. It is designed to give girls an introduction to programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, and HTML, while simultaneously empowering them with tools to create websites, apps, and networks of friends and mentors in the field of technology. Throughout the program, students learn computer science through real-world projects in art and storytelling, robotics, video games, and more. Students will also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops, connect with female engineers and entrepreneurs, as well as go on field trips. The course's final project will encourage students to build their own product and share it with classmates.
 
Since the program's inception in 2012, Girls Who Code has directly benefitted more than 40,000 girls across the country. According to the Knight Foundation, more than 90 percent of Summer Immersion Program participants stated their intent to major in computer science or pursue a related field, which is a testament to the importance of programs focused on transforming the status quo. The Knight Foundation, a national foundation supporting transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities, and foster the arts, awarded Girls Who Code a $500,000 grant for the Summer Immersion Program in Miami to support ongoing efforts that focus on closing the gender gap in the tech sector. 
Gov. Rick Scott Announces Nearly $57 Million Investments from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Across the State
Since February 2018, Governor Rick Scott has announced nearly $57 million in awards for more than 20 Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects across the state. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature last year, provides $85 million for improving community infrastructure and enhancing workforce training in Florida, which have demonstrated a strong return on investment.

"The $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund was established last year with the help of the Florida Legislature to help Florida aggressively fight to be the best destination for businesses to succeed," Governor Scott said.  "These projects will help meet infrastructure and workforce training needs across the state in order to promote economic development. These projects are also slated to add more than 18,600 jobs for Florida families. I look forward to the completion of these projects."

Among the statewide projects awarded, five Florida College System institutions received funding including Chipola College, Broward College (BC), Pensacola State College (PSC), St. Petersburg College (SPC), and Valencia College (VC).

Chipola was given more than $76,000 to purchase equipment that  will enhance and expand its welding program to meet the demand in North Florida for entry-level, high-skilled workers.

"This $76,240 grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will increase enrollment and help put more Chipola students to work sooner," said Chipola College President Sarah Clemmons.  "The equipment provides improved access to hands-on training so that students can complete the program and get high-skill, in-demand jobs."

BC received more than $3 million to create the Critical Occupation Response through Education (CORE) program to provide workforce training for advanced manufacturing, aviation and information technology.

"The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund award will be used to train workers and grow jobs in the skilled workforce areas of aviation, advanced manufacturing, and information technology," said BC President J. David Armstrong. "All three areas where our region has significant growth opportunities and Broward College has strong programs and partnerships."

PSC was awarded more than $1 million for workforce training programs that will increase the number of students earning industry-recognized credentials and degrees required to enter and advance in the workforce for targeted industries, including advanced manufacturing, aviation maintenance, welding, cybersecurity/information technology, nursing, transportation and construction trades.

SPC was granted more than $1 million to create the Mechatronics and Electromechanical Technician training program, which is an accelerated, innovative, responsive and competency-based technical workforce program that meets the advanced manufacturing industry's skill requirements.

"This initiative is a prime example of the Governor's vision and dedication to workforce programs that drive our state and local economies and the College's commitment to collaborative, high-impact educational programs that strengthen our communities," said SPC President Tonjua Williams.

VC also received more than $1 million to start the Advanced Manufacturing and Distribution Logistics project, which will provide advanced skilled worker training for advanced systems in manufacturing and industrial industries.

"With these funds, we will be able to expand access to job training programs to low-income citizens in West Orlando," said VC President Sandy Shugart. "This partnership with the Governor's office, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the City of Orlando, the Parramore community and the college, illustrates the value of collaboration in creating "economic rungs on the ladder" for our citizens while providing a return-on investment for the community."

These proposals were reviewed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Enterprise Florida and was chosen by Governor Scott based on their strong return on investment to the state. The projects awarded will help meet the demand for a robust workforce or infrastructure needs.

"The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is one of our state's critical economic development tools that makes us competitive for attracting businesses to locate, relocate and expand in Florida," said DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor. "We are excited about the opportunities these projects will bring for Florida communities and families across the state."
Chipola College's Automotive Service Technology Program
The Automotive Service Technology program at Chipola College has a state of the art training facility and is a National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) master certified program. The program combines hands-on training in a fully integrated, interactive, computerized, and computer managed multi-stationed laboratory.

Students are provided with a gateway for current and qualifying future technicians with practical exercises in a wide range of electronics fundamentals regarding today's technologically sophisticated automobiles. The final stage of the training for graduating technicians is the combination of interactive simulators and vehicles featuring electronic fuel injection, computerized controlled ignition systems, starting systems, accessory systems, anti-lock braking systems and electronic emission control systems. Students gain the competitive edge needed to enter the workforce as trained and reliable professionals in an ever-changing, high-tech training environment.

Chipola's Automotive Service Technology program develops a mastery of the applications of electronics through practical skills training, problem solving methods, real time solutions, and live work experience. Students are instructed through various methods including text book information, video training series, industry shadowing, business orientation, computer applications, hands-on experience, and visualized lectures. Program graduates are sought out nationwide with the demand in the auto industry.

Automotive instructor John Gardner and his fellow automotive instructor Chase Vlieg led Chipola's program into the  spotlight through producing training videos on the national level for industry and education. Gardner was named Florida C ollege System Professor of the Year by the Association of Florida Colleges in 2015. When he first began teaching at Chipola,  Gardner had seven students in his class. Years down the ro ad, he has received state and national attention, his classes are full, and his lessons reach millions of people. 

In addition to being an instructor at Chipola, Gardner has also signed on for season four of "Tech Garage" to provide automotive lessons that reach millions of people. The series is a how-to show focusing on theory, operation and diagnostics of vehicle systems, presented by Advance Auto Parts. The series has aired since January 2015, and episodes are filmed at Chipola College's Automotive Shop. The show airs on Discovery's Velocity Channel and can also be viewed on the web.

According to Gardner, his "edutainment" teaching philosophy is the key to his program's success. He mentioned edutainment helps engage learners, keep interest high, and deliver technical and complex information through multimedia techniques used in television.

"As an instructor, it is my goal to make educational material available to instructors as a classroom resource," said Gardner.
Conclusion of the 2018 Legislative Session 
The 2018 legislative session addressed several significant issues to the Florida College System (FCS), including funding, public safety, military tuition assistance, dual enrollment articulation agreements, and free-speech on Florida's campuses.
 
The Florida Legislature ended the 2018 legislative session on Sunday, March 11 after completing their work on the budget for the upcoming year. Governor Rick Scott signed the $88.7 billion budget on March 16 , which provides the FCS with $1.2 billion in operational funding, $30 million for performance funding, $10 million for industry certifications, $6.7 million increase for the college program fund, $4.7 million for the Florida Retirement System contribution adjustment, $43 million for fixed capital outlay projects, and $35 million in maintenance funding.
                        
Colleges will also receive funding for several special projects, such as a cybersecurity training center to prepare professionals through reality-based, hands-on cyber threat scenarios, a civil and industrial engineering program, and a mobile welding lab to provide low-cost welding training.
 
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act will be the major piece of legislation for which this session is remembered. The budget provided $400 million tied to firearm and school safety initiatives. That legislation includes $69 million for a new mental health program that will be instituted in the state's public schools, and a $97 million increase in funding for school safety programs to hire more school resource officers.
 
Helping military transition into civilian life and achieve their higher education credentials remains a top priority for the state. The Legislature passed bills to help members of the military and their families achieve their educational goals. House Bill 75 authorizes FCS institutions to waive certain fees for an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is using military tuition assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Defense . House Bill 29 eases professional licensing fees and requirements for certain military members, veterans, and their spouses, including temporary certificates in education, and a pathway for veteran officers for certification as a school principal.
 
Providing students with seamless pathways into higher education has and will remain a critical aspect of articulation and access in Florida. House Bill 7055 made several clarifications regarding dual enrollment articulation agreements. The bill specifies that students may not be capped in the number of courses they can enroll in at independent postsecondary institutions. Also, it will allow homeschool students to more easily obtain instructional materials and ensure that dual enrollment articulation agreement with homeschool students do not contain any course limitations. 
 
The Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act, Senate Bill 4, revised many statutes related to the state universities and higher education. That legislation contains provisions codifying the right to free-speech activities throughout all parts of Florida's campuses and p rohibits public higher education institutions from designating any area of campus as a free-speech zone.

More than $91 million from the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund was appropriate to be used for Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program awards. The Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) award amount was increased to cover 100 percent of public postsecondary education institution tuition and specified fees, plus $300 per fall and spring academic semester or the equivalent for textbooks, beginning in the 2017-18 academic year. The Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) award amount was also increased to cover 75 percent of public postsecondary education institution tuition and specified fees, beginning in the fall 2018 semester. More than $1 million was appropriated for summer funding of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship awards for FAS awards, beginning in the 2018 summer term. Additionally, more than $28 million was appropriated for FMS awards, beginning in the 2019 summer term. 

The First Generation Matching Grant Program was revised, such that the state to private match requirements are a 2:1 match instead of 1:1 match. The inclusion of FCS institutions as eligible program participants was codified into law. 
 
Overall, the volume of bills passed during the 2018 session was a record low. Among the 1,488 general bills that failed was Senate Bill 540, which would have reorganized the governance structure of the FCS and capped workforce baccalaureates.
 
Overall, female students account for 59 percent of enrollments in the Florida College System (FCS). This finding aligns with national data that show women account for 56 percent of all postsecondary enrollments (National Center for Education Statistics: Fast Facts, Fall 2015). In the FCS, females represent the majority of enrolled students in four of the eight Meta-Major fields, including Education (86%); Social and Behavioral Sciences & Human Services (83%), Health Sciences (81%), and Business (63%). Women make up a smaller percentage of enrollments in the Meta-Major fields of Arts, Humanities, Communication, & Design (44%); Public Safety (35%); Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (27%), and Industry/Manufacturing and Construction (10%).
 
In addition, 58 percent of Associate in Arts (A.A.) students are female (the A.A. degree is considered a transfer degree and is not included in the analysis of enrollment by meta-major). In 2016-17, the five programs of study with the highest female enrollment included Associate in Arts (35,022), Associate in Science in Nursing (3,838), Business Specialist College Credit Certificate (1,877), Bachelor's in Supervision and Management (1,714), and Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (1,394).
Danielle Granderson - Florida SouthWestern State College  

Danielle Granderson is well on her way to pursuing her Associate in Science in Nursing degree at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW). She successfully balances the demands of the nursing program with her many campus activities, which include Phi Theta Kappa, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Student Government Association and the Book Club. On the surface, such campus involvement may seem natural, but they are the result of Granderson overcoming the personal challenges of understanding who she is versus who she must be. Her own high expectations led to seclusion, depression, and suicidal thoughts, which she suffered in silence. That began to change for the better thanks to her involvement in campus activities, where Granderson has grown as a leader, and, she says, as a person. 

Although her parents chose FSW, she appreciates their decision because it has opened new doors for her. After Granderson earns her A.S. in Nursing, she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and then a Master of Science in Nursing Education. She is also pursuing another passion: Korean literacy, and her love of Asian language and culture. She believes in the power of positivity and shares that with her classmates every day.
Faculty and Administrators: Nominate a Student to be the Chancellor's Clark Maxwell Scholar Student of the Month
In honor of the late Chancellor Clark Maxwell Jr., each month a student is selected to represent the Florida College System. Nominations for the Student of the Month are accepted on a rolling basis. If you know a student who demonstrates exemplary leadership skills, academic success, and/or commitment to community service through their involvement in the Florida College System, nominate them today!
Renovation Project at Santa Fe College's Institute for Public Safety at the Kirkpatrick Center
Santa Fe College's (SF) Institute for Public Safety at the Kirkpatrick Center recently underwent an $8.1 million renovation project to accommodate the growing need for skilled personnel in emergency medical services, law enforcement and corrections professions both in Florida and nationwide. The Kirkpatrick Center - named for the late Senator George Kirkpatrick, a former Florida state senator and community college advocate - opened in 1995. The 24,000-square-foot addition to the current structure will provide students with state-of-the-art training opportunities for new recruits entering the academy. 

The expansion includes a fully operational replica of a small town "Main Street" area which will give law enforcement, EMT and paramedic trainees a scenario-based training exercise area, along with dedicated classroom spaces and emergency medical laboratories. Part of the Main Street community includes three adjourning rooms that can accommodate projection screens, giving trainees a 270-degree view of a scenario. Law enforcement trainees will have the opportunity to practice various scenarios that could involve subjects moving from one room to another and the challenges presented in those situations.

"On Main Street, our EMS students can drive an ambulance with lights and sirens and pull up to the emergency room entrance, where they can unload their patient into one of the EMS labs," said Thomas Ackerman, director of the Institute of Public Safety at SF College.

The Center is fully equipped with various cameras, microphones, speakers and motion detectors in every room. Students will also encounter training situations that instructors can change in real time, adding the element of surprise that has the potential of occurring in real-life situations. Rooms can be configured to replicate home or business settings, giving students the opportunity to hone their skills in conditions they will see when working in the field.

"Few buildings in institutions of higher learning can be without equivocation labeled lifesavers," said SF College President Jackson Sasser. "Doubling the size of Santa Fe College's Institute of Public Safety will help save lives and make our region and the state of Florida safer places in which to live and prosper."

The College hosted a dedication ceremony for the new facility on Friday, March 23 at the Center.