LEESBURG — Local luminaries gathered for another milestone at the rapidly developing Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC).
This week, groundbreaking took place for the Workforce Development Center, a 35,000-square-foot facility that will serve as a center for career development and opportunities with high-tech resources.
University and government officials celebrated today with a groundbreaking ceremony on the Leesburg campus.
Planned programs include business, leadership and technology with a curriculum designed to prepare students for in-demand careers.
“The Workforce Development Center will not only transform the look of the Leesburg campus, but it will also provide us with a new way to connect and engage our students, employers and partners in the learning process,” said Dr. Heather Bigard, president of Lake-Sumter State College, in a groundbreaking speech.
“This building will embody the new model of higher education that leverages active learning and provides flexible, open spaces for collaboration and hands-on experiences.”
The project will be funded with $17.5 million in state funds, a press release said, as well as “significant support” from the local legislative delegation, Governor Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz.
“Today we celebrate a new beginning for a bright future of employment development in Lake County and the state of Florida,” said Rep. Keith Truenow at the event.
“Students are the future and will determine what is done in our communities. This project will give them the skills and training they need to enter our state’s workforce as leaders.”
Classes will be taught “using a collaborative model and the institution will encourage innovation and active learning in various programs by utilizing flexible spaces and state-of-the-art technology” to give students the opportunity to find employment in the community.
“We believe this new facility will become the educational center of economic development in Lake and Sumter counties,” Bigard said.
Construction will begin this fall, and the building is scheduled to open in the spring semester of 2026.
