State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota

Founded in 1957, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is the region’s first and largest public college. Each year, SCF serves 11,000 credit students across campuses in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, as well as through online programs. An additional 14,000 participants join annually for professional development and personal enrichment courses. Since 1959, the college has graduated more than 50,000 students.

SCF is dedicated to meeting the educational and workforce training needs of local residents and businesses. While continuing to offer highly respected associate degrees that prepare students for university transfer or professional careers, the college has expanded its mission to include workforce baccalaureate degrees.

The Corporate and Community Development Division offers year-round noncredit courses in workforce training, small business development, professional skills, personal enrichment, and driving safety. These programs are delivered through workshops, seminars, online learning, and on-site training at area businesses.

To expand educational opportunities, SCF opened a collegiate charter school in fall 2010. The program enables students to earn their high school diploma and an Associate in Arts degree at the same time.

The college is a member of the Association of Florida Colleges, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the American Association of Community Colleges, and the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities.