Seacoast Collegiate, Northwest Florida State College Break Ground on New Walton County Facility

Site will feature high school, college education with a blend of workforce skills.

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) and Seacoast Collegiate High School joined forces on October 2, 2023, to inaugurate the construction of a groundbreaking Dual Enrollment and Workforce Development Center. The ceremony at Seacoast High School marked a significant step in redefining educational opportunities in Walton County.

This collaboration signifies a shared mission to offer students an innovative blend of high school education, college coursework, and essential workforce skills. The center aspires to provide students with an unmatched educational experience, promising to revolutionize academic norms for high school students.

NWFSC President Dr. Devin Stephenson expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This groundbreaking ceremony marked a pivotal moment in education in Northwest Florida. This collaboration will stand as a testament to the innovative spirit of both institutions. Collectively, we are at the forefront of revolutionizing a model that will transform the educational landscape, equip students for the challenges of the current workforce, and empower the next generation with enhanced academic and career pathways.”

The new facility, consisting of three buildings, will house dual enrollment classrooms for Seacoast and NWFSC. It will also include shared-use spaces for workforce development, continuing education, and other workforce preparedness programs. Seacoast Collegiate High School aims to raise $30 million for this expansion, with $9 million appropriated by the State of Florida in 2023. Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Glavine and his wife, Chris, contributed $1 million to the capital campaign. The project is expected to be completed by 2025.

Seacoast Collegiate High School is open to all Walton County residents. For more information, visit Seasideschools.net. To learn more about Northwest Florida State College, visit NWFSC.edu.