Science & Technology
Lakeland Community College Receives "Collaborative Partner of the Year" Award
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Published in Science and Technology on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 22:05 GMT by The News-Herald- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Lakeland Community College Program Receives “Collaborative Partner of the Year” Award
Lakeland Community College (LCC) has been named the “Collaborative Partner of the Year” by the Florida Collaborative Education Foundation (FCEF), a recognition that highlights the college’s exemplary work in forging partnerships that advance both student success and community development. The award, presented at a virtual ceremony on October 27 2025, underscores LCC’s commitment to creating a seamless ecosystem of learning, industry, and civic engagement.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Since its inception, LCC’s Workforce Development Institute has prided itself on aligning its curriculum with local economic needs. The institute’s flagship program, the Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Technology (AMRT) course, was developed in partnership with the Lakeland Industrial Consortium (LIC), a coalition of manufacturing firms that includes Lakeland Motors, Riverbend Robotics, and Southwest Engineering Solutions. Together, they designed a curriculum that integrates real‑world projects, internships, and guest lectures, ensuring graduates possess the hands‑on skills employers demand.
The award recognizes the AMRT program’s holistic approach. By collaborating closely with industry partners, LCC can update lab equipment in real time, embed industry‑approved standards into coursework, and secure scholarships for students. “This partnership has been a game‑changer for both our students and the local economy,” said Dr. Maya Patel, LCC’s Director of Workforce Development. “We’re not just teaching theory; we’re embedding our students into the lifeblood of Lakeland’s manufacturing sector.”
The Award Process
The FCEF’s award process involved a rigorous evaluation of each applicant’s partnership model, impact metrics, and sustainability plan. Submissions were reviewed by a panel of educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders. LCC’s application stood out because of its documented over 1,200 graduate placements in the last five years, a 95% employment rate for program graduates, and a $2.3 million investment from industry partners in updated simulators and software licenses.
A particularly compelling component of LCC’s submission was the inclusion of a community outreach initiative. The college has worked with the Lakeland City Schools district to provide dual‑enrollment opportunities for high‑school students, giving them a head‑start in college credits and exposure to STEM fields. The partnership has produced a pipeline of talent that has already begun to fill positions at LIC companies, further reinforcing the symbiotic relationship.
Voices from the Community
The award ceremony featured remarks from several key stakeholders:
John Harris, CEO of Lakeland Motors, praised LCC for “cultivating a talent pool that is not only technically proficient but also adaptable to the rapid changes in manufacturing technology.” Harris emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration, stating that “the future of our industry depends on the continuous innovation we nurture together with educational institutions.”
Linda Gomez, a recent AMRT graduate, highlighted the program’s practical benefits. “I had a chance to work on a real robotic arm project in my second semester,” Gomez recounted. “When I landed my first job at Riverbend Robotics, I could hit the ground running. This isn’t just a college program; it’s a launchpad.”
Mayor Sarah Jenkins of Lakeland remarked that the partnership “strengthens our city’s economic resilience and showcases Lakeland as a hub for advanced manufacturing.” The mayor cited the program’s role in attracting new businesses to the region, noting that the influx of skilled workers has already spurred growth in ancillary sectors such as logistics and technology support.
Future Directions
LCC’s leadership is already looking ahead. The college plans to expand the AMRT program into a dual‑degree pathway with the University of Central Florida, allowing students to earn an associate’s degree from LCC and a bachelor’s degree from UCF in just five years. Additionally, LCC is exploring a community‑based research lab that will serve both students and local manufacturers, providing a testing ground for emerging technologies such as 3D‑printed metal components and AI‑driven quality control systems.
The college’s website, which can be accessed at www.lakelandcc.edu/AMRT, offers detailed course outlines, internship listings, and a portal for industry partners to contribute to curriculum updates. A supplemental article on the same site, titled “Building Bridges: LCC’s Path to Collaborative Excellence,” delves deeper into the strategic partnership model, outlining best practices that other community colleges can emulate.
Acknowledgments
The FCEF has announced that it will annually recognize programs that demonstrate exemplary collaboration between higher education and industry. “LCC’s award is a testament to the power of partnership,” said Ms. Elaine Torres, Chair of the FCEF Awards Committee. “By aligning educational objectives with workforce needs, we’re not just creating jobs; we’re building communities.”
The award has been covered extensively in local media, with the Lakeland Herald publishing a feature article on October 28 2025. The piece highlights the economic ripple effect of the partnership, showcases student success stories, and includes behind‑the‑scenes photos of AMRT students in action.
Bottom Line
Lakeland Community College’s receipt of the “Collaborative Partner of the Year” award marks a milestone for a program that has successfully bridged the gap between academia and industry. By engaging stakeholders at every level—from students and faculty to local businesses and municipal leaders—LCC has created a robust model that delivers measurable economic benefits, prepares students for high‑skill careers, and positions Lakeland as a leader in advanced manufacturing. The award is both a recognition of past achievements and a springboard for future innovations, ensuring that the partnership remains a dynamic force for community growth.
Read the Full The News-Herald Article at:
[ https://www.news-herald.com/2025/10/28/lakeland-community-college-program-honored-as-collaborative-partner-of-the-year/ ]
