The College of Central Florida will soon receive nearly $5 million to establish a Center for Advanced Manufacturing.
The new facility at CF’s Ocala campus will expand access to the Associate in Science in Engineering Technology program, as well as its three specializations and related College Credit Certificates.
According to CF, the new programs will include the Rapid Prototyping College Credit Certificate at both Ocala and Citrus campuses, and expansion of the Mechanical Designer and Programmer College Credit Certificate at the Citrus campus. In addition, this expansion will increase the number of dual enrollment students.
The funds for this expansion, totaling $4,973,503, will be awarded through Governor Ron DeSantis’ Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program, which aims to enhance semiconductor-related educational programs across the state.
“This project represents a massive step forward in CF’s strategic and ongoing efforts to offer technology programs that are expressly linked to emerging markets and high-skill, high-wage jobs,” stated CF President Dr. James Henningsen. “It also helps ensure our graduates will go to work in our local manufacturing economy as technology leaders for those employers.”
In a media release, CF stated that this ambitious project will include a comprehensive remodel of 17,000 gross square feet of Building 9 at the Ocala campus. The renovation will also create new classroom and laboratory spaces, which will significantly enhance the college’s Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and CF Corporate College services.
The entire project will cost approximately $5 million, with around $4 million allocated for the renovation, $853,000 for equipment and trainers, and $15,000 set aside for credential-related expenses.
The College of Central Florida has campuses located in Marion (3001 SW College Road in Ocala), Citrus (3800 S Lecanto Highway in Lecanto), and Levy (15390 NW Highway 19 in Chiefland) counties.
For more information, visit the College of Central Florida’s website.