Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) celebrated today with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Workforce Development Center on the Leesburg Campus. The event marked the beginning of a project aimed at enhancing educational and economic opportunities in Lake and Sumter Counties.
The Workforce Development Center, a 38,000-square-foot facility, will serve as a hub for innovation, providing state-of-the-art resources and opportunities for students to thrive in their chosen careers. It will offer programs in business, leadership, and technology designed to prepare students for the demands of the future workforce.
“The Workforce Development Center will transform not only the look of the Leesburg campus but also lead us into a new way of connecting and engaging our students, employers, and partners in the learning process,” said Dr. Heather Bigard, President of Lake-Sumter State College. “This building will embrace the new model of higher education that utilizes active learning and provides flexible, open spaces for collaboration and hands-on experiences.”
The project has been made possible through a $17.5 million state appropriation, with significant support from the local legislative delegation, Governor Ron DeSantis, and Commissioner Manny Diaz from the Department of Education.
“We appreciate the support of the Governor, the Commissioner, Senator Baxley, Representative Truenow, and our entire legislative delegation,” said Bret Jones, Chair of the College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT). “Their commitment to education and workforce development has been instrumental in making this project a reality.”
“This project will allow students to gain not only the technical skills for their career, but also the skills they need to be successful professionally,” said Sen. Dennis Baxley. “We want to have jobs filled and we want to have great opportunities for our citizens. This collaboration project will make that happen.”
“Today, we’re celebrating a new beginning to a bright future of workforce development in Lake County and the State of Florida,” said Rep. Keith Truenow. “Students are the future and will determine what gets done in our communities. This project will provide them the skills and training they need to be leaders as they enter our state’s workforce.”
“This investment in education and training is an investment in our future—a future where our local economy thrives, driven by a skilled and capable workforce,” said Kirby Smith, Chair of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners.
Through a collaborative model of program delivery, the facility will support innovation and active learning across various programs utilizing flexible spaces and innovative technology to foster a strong pipeline from education to employment within the community.
“We believe that this new facility will become the educational center of economic development in Lake and Sumter Counties,” Dr. Bigard said.
Construction will begin this fall with the building scheduled to open for the spring semester of 2026.
