Marion County Public Schools has partnered with the College of Central Florida to offer CF Collegiate Academy, which will expand dual enrollment opportunities for students beginning in the fall of 2024.
This new opportunity at the CF Ocala Campus (3001 SW College Road) will allow eligible Marion County students to complete programs that lead directly to career opportunities in accounting, agribusiness, criminal justice, early childhood education, emergency medical services, engineering technology, equine studies, computer information technology, supply chain management, and more.
Students who are pursuing limited access programs such as nursing may complete all required prerequisites for a seamless transition into the Associate in Science program upon high school graduation.
“We are excited about this expansion of dual enrollment to include an even greater number of programs and degrees,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “While students have been able to complete courses leading to an Associate in Arts for many years, students in workforce programs can now benefit by completing high school and college credits at the same time.”
Henningsen further stated that the partnership with MCPS ensures that CF’s students will have the “greatest opportunities for education and career success.”
Dr. Diane Gullett, superintendent of MCPS, stated that the CF Collegiate Academy will allow students to choose the best pathway.
“A student may work toward an Associate in Arts for the college transfer pathway or students may choose the Associate in Science, which leads to a career upon completion,” added Gullet. “The partnership between College of Central Florida and Marion County Public Schools will prepare students for careers that are in high demand in our community leading to local employment.”
Gullett highlighted Equine Studies as one example of a featured Associate in Science program that can lead to local equine employment, which benefits Marion County.
According to the College of Central Florida, students will apply to the CF Collegiate Academy as a magnet program in 8th grade, and they will remain at their base high school in grades 9 and 10 while completing required high school courses. These students will then become full-time dual enrollment students at the CF Ocala Campus or online in grades 11 and 12.
Academy students will choose from an A.A. or A.S. pathway, making as much progress toward the degree as possible prior to high school graduation. They will have access to all the resources, support services, and engagement opportunities that are offered at CF.
While students may still participate in traditional dual enrollment without enrolling in the CF Collegiate Academy, the College of Central Florida states that there are many benefits for academy students. They can partner with local employers to support work-based learning experiences such as internships, shadowing, co-ops, and apprenticeships.
In addition, academy students who would like to continue their education can benefit from CF’s formal transfer partnerships with Florida A&M University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida Online, and University of South Florida. Students in the CF Honors program are also guaranteed acceptance into the UCF Burnett Honors College.
For more information, including admissions requirements, visit the College of Central Florida’s Collegiate Academy website.