One higher education opportunity on Florida’s Treasure Coast is breaking the stereotype that community colleges are just a fallback option. Indian River State College (IRSC) is at the forefront of transforming Florida’s educational landscape. With over 100 fields of study to choose from, the school offers innovative programs and a hands-on approach that rival the nation’s best schools – all at an unbeatable value. Five distinct campuses across Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie Counties ensure ample options for every passion and interest. Let’s delve deeper into how IRSC is changing the conversation on educational success.
Making Higher Education Attainable
Affordability often stands as a major barrier preventing many aspiring students from pursuing higher education. However, Indian River State College has been recognized by both the state of Florida and the U.S. Department of Education for its affordability and exceptional value. IRSC also offers an array of scholarship opportunities to further alleviate financial burdens. The Promise Program, launched in 2022, has paved the way for high school graduates from Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties to pursue a tuition-free associate degree. Unlike many scholarship opportunities, the Promise Program imposes no family income requirements and does not demand exceptional high school grades. The sole condition for high school graduates is a commitment to full-time study at IRSC.
Hands-On Resources for Every Interest
Despite being affordable, the college offers top-tier educational resources. Faculty, staff, and students enjoy free access to Adobe Creative Cloud, Bloomberg financial literacy resources, and Wolfram Research analytical tools. Each of the five campuses is also known for providing hands-on resources for over 100 different programs. The Chastain Campus in Stuart offers technical and business training with cutting-edge equipment, while the Massey Campus in Fort Pierce focuses on emerging technologies like advanced manufacturing, engineering, and digital media. In Okeechobee, the Dixon Henry campus offers customized nursing, automotive technology, and welding programs. Vero Beach’s Mueller Campus houses biology labs, a teacher training center, and the Culinary Institute. Finally, the Pruitt Campus is home to the Veterans Center of Excellence and offers sophisticated STEM labs in genetics, ecology, anatomy, chemistry, and more.
High Schools with College Connections
Indian River State College operates two charter high schools designed to better prepare students for college. The Clark Advanced Learning Center, situated on the Chastain Campus, allows high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to earn both high school and college credits without tuition or book fees. Established in 2004, this center offers students a college campus experience and the opportunity to gain real-world experience through service learning, community projects, and internships.
In 2022, IRSC opened its second technical vocational high school in Indiantown, a 63,000-square-foot facility offering practical, career-focused education with smaller class sizes and a college-style block scheduling system. The flexible infrastructure at Indiantown High School allows for hands-on learning, including the use of outboard motors, arc welding systems, computer and cybersecurity equipment, and more. Students also learn about entrepreneurship, including how to market their skills, brand themselves, and finance a small business.
A Wyld Future in St. Lucie County
Indian River State College continues to push the boundaries of innovation in education. The college is dedicated to expanding access to education across the Treasure Coast, including plans for a new medical college and one of Florida’s largest and most modern campuses. With IRSC situated in its backyard, residents of Wylder enjoy convenient access to a top-tier education. This new master-planned community fully embraces the beauty of Port St. Lucie, with multiple unique neighborhoods designed for all stages of life. Brystol at Wylder, featuring single-family homes priced from the $300s, is currently in the construction phase. Glynlea Country Club, a gated golf club community featuring an 18-hole course designed by PGA Tour professional Jim Furyk, is also under construction. An active-adult neighborhood named K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Wylder is also planned.
An exciting array of Wyld amenities are planned for each neighborhood and for the community at large, including lakefront recreation areas, pocket parks, and miles of interconnected sidewalks and multi-use paths that connect the community. As the community continues to grow, so will its impact on its surrounding St. Lucie County neighbors. Not only have GreenPointe Developers made it a priority to preserve hundreds of acres of wetlands, but they have also donated sections of Wylder’s land to build a public park and more in the future.
To stay updated on the latest news about Wylder’s progress, be sure to register your interest at LiveWylder.com. You can also follow along on Facebook or Instagram to ensure you don’t miss out on any fun.
