Seminole State College Drives Statewide Economic Growth and Opportunity

 As part of Florida’s 28-member state college system, Seminole State College plays a vital role in fueling both local and statewide prosperity. From strengthening Central Florida’s workforce to advancing economic mobility for students and families, the College’s impact reflects the findings of a new statewide study released this week by Helios Education Foundation and the Association of Florida Colleges.

 

Seminole State College of Florida creates value in many ways. The College plays a key role in helping students increase their employability and achieve their individual potential. The College draws students to the region, generating new dollars and opportunities for the Orlando Metropolitan Area. Additionally, Seminole State provides students with the education, training and skills they need to have fulfilling and prosperous careers.

 

$129.9 million Operations Spending Impact

$52.1 million Student Spending Impact

$1.1 billion Alumni Impact

$1.3 billion Total Impact

14,615 Jobs Supported

Orlando, Fla. – Nov. 13, 2025 – Florida’s 28 state colleges contribute $56.7 billion in added income each year, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and fueling the state’s long-term prosperity. The finding comes from a new economic impact report released today at the Association of Florida Colleges' Success Summit.

 

Commissioned by Helios Education Foundation and the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC), the report captures the far-reaching economic and community impact of the Florida College System.

 

Titled An Engine of Opportunity: How the Florida College System Helps Power the State’s Economy, the research shows that for every dollar invested in Florida’s state colleges, students gain $6.30 in higher lifetime earnings and taxpayers gain $2.40 in added revenues and public-sector savings. When factoring in broader social and economic gains, the total return reaches $13.30 for every $1 invested in the Florida College System.

 

“This report confirms what we’ve long believed: Florida’s state colleges are engines of opportunity across every corner of the state. They open doors for students, strengthen communities and drive economic growth,” said Paul J. Luna, Helios Education Foundation President and CEO. “Helios is proud to partner with AFC to highlight the measurable return these institutions deliver for every Floridian.”

 

“As both president of Seminole State College and chair of the Council of Presidents, I see firsthand the powerful impact our colleges have—locally and statewide,” said Dr. Georgia Lorenz, president of Seminole State College and chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents.

 

"At Seminole State, we’re equipping students with the skills that meet regional workforce needs, creating transformative impact. The same is true across all of our state colleges. The Florida College System is driving economic mobility, supporting employers, and building the resilient talent pipeline our state depends on.”

 

 

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Helios Education Foundation exists to support postsecondary attainment for all students, with a focus on low-income and historically underrepresented communities, in Arizona and Florida. For more than 20 years, and driven by the fundamental beliefs of community, equity, investment, and partnership, Helios has invested more than $350 million in partnerships and initiatives focused on improving education outcomes in the two states we serve. Learn more at helios.org.

 

The Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) is the professional association of Florida’s 28 public member institutions of the Florida College System, their boards, employees, retirees, associates, and the employees of the Division of Florida Colleges. The mission of the Association is to actively promote, represent, and support members and institutions as they provide their students and the citizens of Florida with a world-class college system. Learn more about AFC’s Economic Impact Study prepared by Lightcast at myafchome.org/impact.

 

Seminole State College of Florida, established in 1965, transforms lives through education, innovation and service to the Central Florida community. As a key contributor to Florida’s economic prosperity with an annual impact of $1.3 billion, the College continues to be a driving force for economic development and opportunity in the region.