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With new state budget approval, USF Sarasota-Manatee at MCC Venice becomes a permanent academic program for area residents

SARASOTA, FL (June 20, 2006) – With the recent approval of the latest state budget in May 2006, USF Sarasota-Manatee’s south county program has now received continuing state funding for its operations on the campus of Manatee Community College in Venice (MCC Venice), which is located just north of the growing cities of North Port and Englewood. 

USF Sarasota-Manatee’s south county program will continue to offer coursework towards a bachelor’s degree in a number of academic areas and will also be providing a full-time academic advisor at that location. This new advisor position will allow USF Sarasota-Manatee to further expand its service for prospective and continuing students of all ages.

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, the largest community foundation in Florida, gave an initial two-year grant of $476,137 to establish the south county program in 2003 and another $138,500 grant to sustain the program through this October. After that point, the new state funding will continue the program.

“The Gulf Coast Community Foundation gave us the legs to stand,” said Susan Freeman, director of USF Sarasota-Manatee’s south county program.  “We are very grateful to them and also to MCC for allowing us to be on their campus, which has greatly enhanced our ability to grow our academic programs.”

And grow they have.  The south county program started in the spring of 2004 with 66 students and has grown to serve over 200 upper-level students per semester.  The increased growth has fueled the permanent status of the program and Freeman hopes to continue on the same track.

In an effort to address the needs of area residents and businesses, Freeman formed an advisory council comprised of local leaders to help guide the program’s growth and development.

“We do want to continue increasing enrollment and awareness,” Freeman said.  “As we become aware of additional academic needs in the area, we want to provide more courses and programs.  Our advisory council helps us gauge the needs of the community and helps us answer those needs.” 

Located in South Sarasota County at 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, USF Sarasota-Manatee at MCC Venice offers coursework to people in North Port, Port Charlotte, Venice, Englewood and Punta Gorda. The program serves people of all ages who have at least an associate’s degree or 60 transferable credit hours and who want to pursue their bachelor’s degree.

USF Sarasota-Manatee’s main regional campus is currently located at 5700 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota and will be relocating to a nearby brand new facility this fall.

For more information about USF Sarasota-Manatee at MCC Venice – including classes, admissions and financial aid -- contact the USF Sarasota-Manatee South County Student Affairs office at (941) 408-1577 or visit http://www.sarasota.usf.edu/south/.