State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota

Established in 1957, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is the region's first and largest public college, serving 11,000 college credit students annually at campuses in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Venice, and via online classes. Another 14,000 participants annually attend professional development and personal enrichment classes. The College has graduated more than 50,000 students since 1959.

SCF is a dynamic College dedicated to meeting the educational and workforce training needs of citizens and businesses in the region. SCF has expanded its mission to include workforce baccalaureate degrees while continuing to focus on highly respected associate degrees that prepare graduates for university transfer and professional careers.

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

Broadening the continuum of education, the College opened a collegiate charter school in fall 2010. The school enables students to complete high school and receive their Associate in Arts degree simultaneously.

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.