FIND YOUR FLOW
AT THE RIVER

Where purpose meets possibility. Discover hands-on learning, flexible programs, and a college experience built for your life.

Explore Programs
Apply

News Topic: Workforce Development

  • Dental Hygiene Students Achieve 100% Certification Pass Rate

    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 wearing protective gear, gloves, and magnifying loupes performs a cleaning on a patient in a clinical lab setting at Indian River State College.
    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.

    Image
    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.

    ###

    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.

  • Indian River State College’s Project STAGE Program Leads State in Student Employment Success

    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. 

    Two employees at The UPS Store in Vero Beach pose together, smiling, while holding an Employer Appreciation Recognition certificate from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities. Both are wearing blue UPS Store shirts inside the store’s workspace.
    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. 

    ### 

    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