Florida Technical College was recognized this week for making a difference for Orange County residents through its exceptional community service.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Public Safety Director Danny Banks, and Fire Chief James Fitzgerald saluted FTC for its leadership in promoting community service throughout Central Florida.
Last December, the award-winning institution expanded its community outreach program, FTC Cares, to include the Orange County Fire Department. Since then, they’ve collaborated with the county in multiple projects including partnering with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to provide Covid-19 medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to local hospitals and first responders.
“FTC has adopted the fire department,” Fitzgerald said. “Their commitment to our first responders is strong. The culinary arts team raised the bar during our 86th graduation. These acts of kindness and support are very much appreciated.”
“I would like to thank Florida Technical College for their partnership. The college embodies a true sense of community engagement and has been intentional in forging partnerships with our public safety partners and the community,” added Mayor Demings.
FTC Cares is a community outreach program geographically focused in the areas where the institution’s seven campuses are located. Each campus has a unique way of connecting with their local community to best serve their distinctive needs. Through the program, faculty and students collaborate with neighbors and partners to produce positive change for residents, while encouraging civic pride and responsibility.
“Through the FTC Cares Initiative, FTC has had the opportunity to partner with outstanding organizations and local leaders in our region, such as Orange County Government, to strengthen our communities,” said Dr. James Michael Burkett, president of Florida Technical College, who accepted the recognition. “I am honored and grateful to all our community partners who work alongside us to help make a difference in our community.”
FTC Cares Initiatives
- Project Life: Partnership with the Orlando Magic to help provide food assistance to Central Florida families
- Adopt a Road: Partnership with Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando to clean Central Florida streets
- Back to School: Partnership with Orlando Magic, Osceola Sheriff, Salvation Army, and NACCP, among others, to provide free medical check-ups, haircuts, school backpacks, and school supplies to more than 4,000 children in Central Florida
- Hope of the Streets: Partnership with Casa de Jubilo Church to provide medical supplies and food assistance to the homeless community in Orlando. FTC was awarded a Presidential Award for this initiative.
- Covid-19 Response: Partnership with Orange County Sheriff’s Office to provide medical and sanitary supplies to local hospitals and first responders
- Let VETS Choose: FTC joined a national initiative to promote the right of U.S. veterans to choose their school
FTC Cares Scholarships
- Healthcare Heroes, focused on students interested in joining the health field as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic
- Hurricane Maria Scholarship, an incentive created to help hurricane refugees
- Sergeant Richard “Sam” Howard and Officer Matthew BaxterScholarship, created to honor two Kissimmee police officers lost in the line of duty
- Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando
- Imagine America Scholarship reduces the growing “skill gaps” in America
- FTC Alumni Scholarship, very popular among culinary students interested in broadening their skills with a baking diploma
- Two ‘Amigos Helping Amigos’ Scholarships
“Our faculty and students have clocked thousands of hours with non-profits across the state: from hosting a Back to School events for families in need to cleaning major roadways across the state,” Burkett said. “They understand that they can make a difference in their communities and their own lives through service to others.”
About FTC
Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields, Florida Technical College is an academic unit of NUC University (NUC). NUC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). FTC offers diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs in a range of professions, including Healthcare, Construction Trades, Hospitality, Beauty, Information Technology, and Business. FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, DeLand, Pembroke Pines, Cutler Bay, and Tampa. Program availability varies by campus.
