Earlier this month, community leaders gathered to relaunch REACH Manatee, the county’s Local College Access Network (LCAN), marking a new chapter in efforts to expand postsecondary opportunities and strengthen the local workforce. Hosted by Manatee Community Foundation, the Vision Council meeting united partners committed to helping more students pursue and complete high-value degrees and credentials.
The meeting featured presentations from statewide partners, including the Florida College Access Network (FCAN) and Helios Education Foundation, who shared new insights from the Florida’s Future Billions report. The data highlights the annual substantial economic and social returns of investing in college readiness, enrollment, and attainment.
“This marks the start of renewed collaboration on the overarching goal of REACH Manatee—to increase postsecondary attainment in Manatee County,” said Jacki Dezelski, Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s president and CEO. “There are best practices across the state that can inform our work here—and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and act on them.”
As part of the Talent Strong Florida campaign, the Vision Council explored how regional partnerships and data-driven strategies can help increase college enrollment. The campaign underscores the connection between higher education, workforce alignment, and economic prosperity—key priorities for Manatee’s continued growth.
Manatee County’s economy has grown roughly 25% faster(1) than the state since 2017, and between 2021 and 2022 added nearly $1 billion in net income migration(2). These changes present an opportunity to align local workforce development with the state’s SAIL to 60 Initiative, which aims for 60% of working-age Floridians to hold a high-value credential or degree by 2030.
“We’re excited to see REACH Manatee re-engage with this important work,” said Dave Sobush, FCAN’s director of policy. “With more than 64% of Florida jobs projected to require education beyond high school by 2031—and 100% of the good jobs—local action is essential to achieving statewide success.”
Currently, Manatee County’s postsecondary-going rate stands at 53.5%, slightly below the state average of 54.2%. Local leaders are now focused on increasing that rate through coordinated action, strategic partnerships, and targeted student supports.
“Increasing postsecondary enrollment leads to measurable gains at the individual, social, and fiscal level,” said Kimberly Lent Morales, Helios Education Foundation’s director of research and evaluation. “Earning a degree raises lifetime earnings, boosts tax revenues, and strengthens communities.”
With renewed energy and deeper alignment, REACH Manatee is poised to drive meaningful change—helping students, families, and the regional economy thrive, one credential or degree at a time.
1 Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis
2 Source: IRS Statistics of Income