Lake Technical College has been awarded $4.9 million in funding for the expansion of its Workforce Education Center South.
Lake Tech proudly announced the funding from the Florida Legislature to support Phase Two of the Lake Technical College Workforce Education Center South, co-located with Lake County schools flexible high school campus, Lincoln Park Education Center. This investment builds on the $4 million Capitalization Incentive Grant previously awarded by the State of Florida for Phase One, which launched the initial expansion to promote career dual enrollment and workforce readiness in South Lake County.
Florida State Senator Keith Truenow sponsored the request and shared, “I am proud of the $4.9 million we were able to secure for the development of the Lake Technical College South Campus. Lake Tech is executing and delivering on their promises of workforce development for the future of Lake County.”
LTC is experiencing record enrollment across its northern Lake County campuses. The Phase Two funding will allow LTC to continue expanding its high-demand workforce training programs into the southern region of the county to meet growing industry needs and student demand.
“This funding from the Florida Legislature is a transformative step forward in our mission to provide accessible, high-quality workforce education,” said DeAnna Thomas, executive director of LTC. “We’re grateful to our state and local partners who share our vision for preparing students for in-demand careers across Lake County.”
The new Workforce Education Center South is located on the former Clermont Elementary School campus, spanning over 50,000 square feet. With more than $10 million invested by Lake County schools to renovate the high school space, and $800,000 contributed by Lake County government, the facility is a model of collaborative investment in workforce education and economic development.
The expansion will provide new classrooms and labs for training in critical sectors including:
- Healthcare
- Emergency medical services
- Semiconductor technology
- Architecture and construction
- Information technology
Additional services will include GED Prep, English for Speakers of Other Languages, industry certification testing through PearsonVue, and job readiness resources like resume writing and interview preparation.
LTC’s programs consistently deliver results, boasting an 89% program completion rate, a 91% job placement rate, and a 98% licensure pass rate. More than 30 workforce programs are offered, many of which can be completed in one year or less.
This project has received widespread support from key partners including Lake County schools, Lake County government, CareerSource Central Florida, Lake Sumter State College, Lake Economic Area Development, and numerous local employers and community groups.
“This expansion represents more than just additional classroom and lab space—it is a gateway to opportunity for thousands of individuals and a catalyst for economic growth in our region,” said Thomas.
For more information about Lake Technical College and its programs, visit www.laketech.org.