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News Topic: Student Service & Support

Teamwork Takes Center Field as Indian River State College Hosts Unified Sports Kickoff
FORT PIERCE, Fla., (October 14, 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”)Softball hosted a Unified Sports kickball game with Project STAGE students on Monday, October 13, at Dale Atkinson Field. This community event launched Unified Sports at Indian River State College, a Special Olympics program that brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete together.
Indian River State College is the first college in the Florida College System to launch Unified Sports.
Indian River State College students and athletes celebrate together during a Unified Sports event, building camaraderie and school spirit through teamwork and connection.
Unified Sports at Indian River State College pairs Special Olympics athletes who are college students with other college students to compete on the same teams. The program encourages students to see past differences and connect through shared effort and sportsmanship. The event celebrated the campus community through friendly competition, music, food, and prizes.
“I think Unified Sports is a great program that allows our students with unique abilities to participate in a friendly competition,” said Brett Williams, Indian River State College librarian and co-sponsor of the program. “It has been wonderful seeing how the student athletes have stepped up to organize and support this event. I am hoping that the unified sports program will continue to bring students of all abilities together fostering friendship and acceptance.”
Project STAGE combines classroom learning through the Specialized Career Training Course with paid and unpaid internships. Students develop job skills, create professional portfolios, and practice interviews while working closely with local employers.
The kickoff event drew enthusiastic participation from both Project STAGE students and the River Softball team, creating a spirited start to what the college hopes will become a long-standing campus tradition.
To learn more about Unified Sports at Indian River State College, visit https://irsc.edu/programs/special-programs/project-stage/ or contact Project STAGE at (772) 462-4257.
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October 14, 2025
Career Expo Connects Treasure Coast Job Seekers with over 50 Employers
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (October 1, 2025) — The wait is over. Today, Indian River State College (“The River”) will host its Fall 2025 Career Expo, a marquee recruiting event where students, alumni, and community members can connect directly with employers ready to hire for full-time, part-time and internship positions.
The Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex (Building O) on the Massey Campus in Fort Pierce.
More than 50 organizations representing industries from healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, technology, finance, and local government will participate, offering attendees the chance to expand their networks and explore career pathways.
Featured employers include:
- Enterprise Mobility
- Health First
- Martin County School District
- St. Lucie County Fire District
- Treasure Coast Hospice
- Pursuit Aerospace
- Fifth Third Bank
“This is one of the most direct opportunities for students, alumni, and job seekers in the community to meet face-to-face with employers who are actively recruiting Indian River State College talent,” said Dr. Calvin Williams, associate vice president of advising and career services. “Whether someone is seeking a first job, a career change or an internship, the Expo is designed to connect them with the right opportunities.”
The Career Expo is the culmination of a month-long slate of professional development programming, including resume reviews with employers, a Career Fashion Show, and a Career Closet initiative, which provides free professional attire to students, alumni and community members. “If you look good and feel confident, you’ll interview better,” Williams added. “The Career Closet and Expo work hand in hand to help attendees prepare and present themselves to employers.”
For more information, contact the Indian River State College Career Services at careerservices@irsc.edu or call 772-462-7470.
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October 1, 2025
Indian River State College and The University of Central Florida Partner to Establish Transfer Agreement
DirectConnect to UCF® to offer streamlined transfers from The River to UCF
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (September 29, 2025) — Indian River State College has partnered with the University of Central Florida to offer DirectConnect to UCF®. This nationally recognized program provides eligible students with guaranteed admission to UCF. All Indian River State College students and alums who obtain, or have previously obtained, an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree qualify for DirectConnect to UCF®.
Indian River State College and University of Central Florida representatives at the launch celebration of DirectConnect to UCF: Adrienne Frame, Elizabeth Gaskin, Dr. Calvin Williams, Kimberly Hardy, Dr. Heather J. Belmont, and John Buckwalter
“This partnership represents a transformative opportunity for students across the Treasure Coast region,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, president of Indian River State College. “Through DirectConnect to UCF®, Indian River State College is providing students with another pathway to a four-year degree and expanded career opportunities with the resources and support they need to succeed from Day One.”
DirectConnect to UCF® offers an accelerated admission pathway to the University of Central Florida, providing students with dedicated support through a personal success coach and transfer assistance from UCF Success Coaches. This program is designed to help students complete their degree in a shorter timeframe while offering the convenience of studying close to home at Indian River State College, making higher education more accessible and efficient for local students.
“DirectConnect to UCF has already helped nearly 80,000 students turn their aspirations into achievement, and this new partnership with Indian River State College extends that promise to even more learners from across the Treasure Coast,” said UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Together, we are building new pathways to opportunity that will transform lives and strengthen Florida’s future.”
“DirectConnect to UCF® aligns perfectly with our commitment to student success and academic excellence,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, provost of Indian River State College. “This partnership ensures our students receive seamless transfer credit, dedicated academic support, and a proven framework for degree completion.”
DirectConnect to UCF®, which marks its 20th anniversary this November, has helped more than 80,000 students earn UCF degrees. The award-winning initiative has received national recognition, including the National Association of Branch Campus Administrators’ 2020 Innovation Award for its groundbreaking success coaching model.
For more information, visit irsc.edu/direct-connect-to-ucf, call (407) 823‑4547, or email UCFConnect@ucf.edu.
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September 29, 2025
One Suit Away from Success: Students Find Confidence in the Career Closet
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (September 22, 2025) — All month long, Indian River State College has been opening more than classroom doors. Through a series of career-focused events, including the ongoing Career Closet initiative, the College is helping students step confidently into the workforce ahead of the Career Expo on October 1.
This month, Career Services will host mobile Career Closets, resume reviews with local employers, and a Career Fashion Show where students modeled donated outfits. These events build momentum toward the October 1 Career Expo, where more than 50 employers will recruit for full-time, part-time and internship positions.
Career-ready: A student selects donated professional clothing at the Career Closet, where free attire helps students dress for success.
The Career Closet, located at multiple campuses, provides students with free professional clothing for interviews, career fairs and workplace opportunities. Supported by alumni and community donations, the Closet ensures students are not held back by the cost of attire.
“Professional dress is very important in the process of going to work. A student may love a company but hesitate to even approach them if they don’t have the right attire,” said Dr. Calvin Williams, associate vice president of advising and career services at Indian River State College.
With most Indian River State College graduates remaining in the Treasure Coast region, the Career Closet and Career Expo directly support the local workforce. “Over 75 percent of our graduates stay in the four-county area,” Dr. Williams said. “The economic boost they give our community, based on the knowledge they gained here, is tremendous.”
The Career Closet operates year-round at:
- Massey Campus, Fort Pierce — Room W-104, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. (772-462-7470)
- Pruitt Campus, Port St. Lucie — Room J-111, hours vary (772-336-6221 or 772-336-6213)
- Mueller Campus, Vero Beach — Schumann Center, Building D, regular hours (772-226-2500)
The Career Closet accepts donations of clean, professional attire such as suits, blazers, dress pants, skirts, dresses, shoes and ties.
“Alumni and employers are donating clothing because they know it makes a difference. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, and students lifting each other up,” Williams added.
For more information about Career Services, the Career Closet or the October 1 Career Expo, visit irsc.edu and search “Career Services,” email careerservices@irsc.edu, or call (772) 462-7470.
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September 22, 2025
Future Nurses to Gain Real-World Experience through Indian River State College and HCA Florida Partnership Expansion
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2025) – Indian River State College School of Nursing has expanded its groundbreaking partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals to include HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital and HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital to create Dedicated Education Hospitals (DEH), a transformative collaboration on the Treasure Coast. This expansion strengthens Indian River State College’s partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals, providing enhanced student training, a stronger nursing workforce, and better care for the community.
The DEH model transforms hospital units into structured learning environments where students and professional nurses work side by side. Unlike traditional clinical rotations, the program integrates nursing students directly into hospital care teams, pairing them with nurse preceptors and faculty mentors for real-time, hands-on training.
“Our students are integrated into real-world hospital environments, where they learn directly from experienced nurses,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. “This robust collaborative partnership ensures students receive invaluable training while helping to cultivate a highly skilled workforce that benefits our local community.”
Dr. Patricia Gagliano of Indian River State College (left) with HCA Florida Healthcare leaders at the launch of the Dedicated Education Hospital partnership at St. Lucie Hospital.
“This is more than a clinical site, it’s a living classroom where patient care and nursing education are seamlessly integrated,” said Dr. Patricia Gagliano, Dean of Nursing at Indian River State College. “Our students gain the confidence and judgment needed for practice, while hospitals strengthen their workforce, and our community benefits from higher quality of care.”
The partnership expansion will provide Indian River State College nursing students with additional resources, closer mentorship, and a curriculum aligned with hospital practice.
Benefits include:
- For students: stronger clinical competence, faster professional role transition, and improved NCLEX readiness.
- For hospitals: a robust workforce pipeline, higher nurse retention, and innovation in care delivery.
- For the Treasure Coast: safer, higher-quality care and a stronger local healthcare system.
Indian River State College nursing students gather with HCA Florida Healthcare nurses and preceptors to celebrate the launch of the Dedicated Education Hospital partnership.
“It’s a tremendous benefit for our patients and colleagues. These student nurses understand our mission — above all else, we’re committed to the care and improvement of human life — and they will find it interwoven through this program. Shared values and better communication only elevate our teams and the care they provide,” said Tracee Hendershott, Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital.
The initiative was established with a DEH at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital last year. A joint event welcoming Indian River State College students, faculty, and leaders alongside administrators, nurse managers, and preceptors from HCA Healthcare’s East Florida Division was held to launch the partnership expansion.
To learn more about the Indian River State College School of Nursing, visit irsc.edu/program/nursing/ or call (772) 462-7550.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
About HCA Florida Healthcare: HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
September 4, 2025
Dental Hygiene Students Achieve 100% Certification Pass Rate
Five-Year Track Record of Exceeding State and National Benchmarks
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Aug. 7, 2025) – Indian River State College’s 2025 Dental Hygiene graduating class achieved a 100% certification pass rate, continuing the program’s strong track record of student success. Over the past five years, the college’s Dental Hygiene program has maintained strong outcomes with a 98% graduation rate, 98% certification pass rate, and 96% employment rate, all above state and national averages for dental hygiene programs.
A dental hygiene student practices clinical skills during a hands-on training session with a patient under faculty supervision.
“This 100% pass rate reflects what we see every day – students who come in eager to learn and leave as confident professionals ready to make a difference in their patients’ lives,” said Anna Hubbard, Dean of Health Sciences at Indian River State College. “With our faculty and facilities, they get hands-on experience with the latest technology while learning from instructors who are invested in their success.”
The program’s focus on quality education extends beyond the classroom throughthe college’s Dental Clinic, where students gain practical experience while providing preventive dental services, including cleanings, to patients of all ages. These services are offered at reduced prices under the supervision of experienced, licensed faculty.
A young patient beams with excitement during a visit, supported by dental hygiene students gaining real-world experience in patient care.
“The clinic serves as a bridge between our students’ education and the community’s oral health needs,” said Anna DaCosta, Dental Hygiene Program Director. “Patients receive quality preventative care at affordable rates while our students apply their learning in real-world settings that benefit everyone involved.”
The dental hygiene field continues to show strong demand on the Treasure Coast, offering graduates career opportunities in private practices, public health settings, and educational institutions.
For more information about Indian River State College’s Dental Hygiene program, visit irsc.edu/program/dental-hygiene/. To schedule an appointment at the Indian River State College Dental Clinic for preventative services, call 772-462-7524.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
August 7, 2025
Indian River State College’s Project STAGE Program Leads State in Student Employment Success
Program achieves 70% employment rate for students with unique abilities
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Aug. 5, 2025) – Indian River State College’s Project STAGE program continues to prepare students with unique abilities for meaningful careers, as highlighted by a recent Employer Recognition Award presented to local business owner J. Evans of three UPS Stores in Vero Beach and Sebastian.
The UPS Store owner, J. Evans (left), displays his award for supporting students with unique abilities alongside his Project STAGE employee.
Evans was recognized following his nomination by Indian River State College’s Project STAGE team for hiring a program student as a kiosk assistant in January 2025, demonstrating the employer partnerships that support the program’s success.
The College’s Project STAGE program leads in Florida with enrollment of up to 36 students for the 2025-26 academic year, the highest among 35 similar college, university, and technical school programs. The program serves students from Martin, Indian River, and St. Lucie counties across Indian River State College’s Massey and Mueller campuses and is sponsored by the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities.
“Our success is built on intentional relationship-building with local employers who share our vision of inclusive workplaces,” said JoAnn Pagano, Project STAGE Program Manager. “When employers open their hearts and minds to nurture the growth and development of our students, everyone benefits.”
The program combines classroom learning through the Specialized Career Training Course with paid and unpaid internships. Students develop job skills, create professional portfolios, and practice interviews while working closely with local employers.
Currently, 70% of Project STAGE students achieve gainful employment. The program provides ongoing support for up to five years post-graduation to ensure long-term employment stability for its students. Staff actively network with employers and provide onsite coaching during interviews and onboarding.
Indian River State College’s Project STAGE program demonstrates how strategic partnerships create meaningful opportunities for students with unique abilities while meeting community workforce needs.
To learn more about Project STAGE, visit irsc.edu/programs/special-programs/project-stage/,call (772) 462-4257, or email Kirsten Jerome at kjerome@irsc.edu.
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About Project STAGE: Project STAGE is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students with unique abilities for successful careers through specialized training, internship opportunities, and ongoing support services. The program serves students from Martin, Indian River, and St. Lucie counties and maintains partnerships with local employers throughout the region.
About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides 175 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
Media Contacts:
Kathleen Walter – Public Information Officer/Public Relations Manager
Rodrigo Berlanga Rodriguez – Public Relations Coordinator
PIO@irsc.edu
August 5, 2025