State & Community Colleges

An innovative partnership between the University of Central Florida and the members of the Florida College System led to the creation in 2007 of DirectConnect to UCF. Through DirectConnect, associate degree graduates of Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College of Florida, Valencia College, and Eastern Florida State College are guaranteed admission to UCF's upper-division. Aimed at improving local access to higher education, DirectConnect has helped thousands earn their bachelor's degrees in a convenient, affordable way close to home.

Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC)

During the last 4 decades, Lake-Sumter State College has earned the reputation as one of the best 2-year institutions in Florida. There are 3 convenient campuses: Leesburg, Clermont, and Sumterville. The LSSC mission statement says it best ..." Lake-Sumter State College provides excellent student-centered academic and career-oriented education that is proactive, accessible, and responsive to our community's needs". With this goal in mind, LSSC will continue to provide a quality, personalized, economical, and flexible environment for Lake and Sumter County students.

Seminole State College of Florida (SSC)

With four campuses, Seminole State College of Florida is one of the fastest-growing 2-year colleges in the nation. To meet the ever-changing needs of its student body and business community, SSC offers a comprehensive range of programs, including associate degrees that prepare students for four-year universities; technical and vocational certificates; continuing education; and corporate training. The college offers 20 baccalaureate programs in conjunction with UCF as well as several 4-year degree programs.

SSC’s 4 campuses are conveniently located at Sanford/Lake Mary, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, and Heathrow. SSC’s Center for Economic Development at Heathrow houses Central Florida’s economic development leaders and the college to train the region’s workforce in business/technology-related programs, and attract and retain leading technology companies to Central Florida.

Valencia College

Valencia College was ranked the top community college in the nation for 2011-2012 by the Aspen Institute, a Washington educational- and policy-studies center. Aspen chose Valencia as the inaugural winner based on the strength of its graduation and transfer rates, especially among minority students, as well as its workforce training programs which boast high job placement rates.

The college offers a 2-year A.A. parallel program that prepares students to transfer to an upper-division college or university; college-preparatory courses that help first-year students excel; and technical programs and continuing education courses that prepare students to meet the needs of business and industry. Valencia College operates six campuses and centers in Central Florida's Orange and Osceola counties. Joint University of Central Florida-Valencia buildings on two campuses offer 15 UCF undergraduate degrees as well as Valencia's own bachelor's programs in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences and Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology.