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News Type: Press Release

Indian River State College to Host Free Financial Literacy Workshop
Community Event Focuses on Banking, Credit Scores, and Debt Management
WHAT: Free Financial Literacy Workshop – “Banking, Credit Scores, and Debt Management”
WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 5:45 – 8 p.m.
WHERE: Via Zoom
WHO: Open to the public. Community members seeking to improve their financial knowledge and skills are encouraged to attend.
EVENT OVERVIEW
Indian River State College invites the community to a free financial literacy workshop designed to empower participants with essential knowledge about banking, credit management, and debt strategies. The evening program features expert speakers who will address common financial challenges and provide practical guidance.
Featured Topics & Speakers:
• Why Banking Matters: Erin Garrison, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at PNC Bank, will discuss the importance of establishing and maintaining bank accounts.
• Building Good Credit: Dr. Kris Demarais, Assistant Instructional Dean of Liberal Arts at Indian River State College, will explain why credit scores matter and how to improve them.
• Managing Debt: Joseph Semprevivo, Owner of Joseph’s Real Estate, will share strategies for handling debt effectively.
The workshop will include a question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the presenters. Dr. Maria S. Davis, Professor at Indian River State College, will introduce speakers and moderate the evening.
“Financial literacy is a critical life skill that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their money,” said Dr. Davis. “This workshop provides an accessible opportunity for our community to learn from experts and take control of their financial futures.”
DETAILED PROGRAM
5:45 p.m. Registration & Opening Remarks
6:00 p.m. Welcome, Indian River State College
6:05 p.m. Introduction of Speakers, Maria S. Davis, D.B.A., Professor, Indian River State College
6:10 p.m. Why do I need to have a bank account? Erin Garrison, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager, PNC Bank
6:25 p.m. Why is it important to have a Good Credit score? Kris Demarais, Ph.D., Assistant Instructional Dean, Liberal Arts, Indian River State College
6:40 p.m. How can I handle my debts? Joseph Semprevivo, Owner, Joseph’s Real Estate
6:55 p.m. Question and Answer Session
8:00 p.m. Closing Remarks, Maria S. Davis, D.B.A.
REGISTRATION
The event is free and open to the public. Register online at https://connect.irsc.edu/event/403191
EVENT CONTACTS
Dr. Maria S. Davis
Indian River State College – Mueller Campus
6155 College Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32966
Phone: 772-226-2557
Email: medavis@irsc.edu
Dr. Samuel Mikhail
Indian River State College – Pruitt Campus
500 NW California Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Phone: 772-336-6270
Email: smikhail@irsc.edu
Website: https://irsc.edu/admissions/financial-assistance/financial-literacy/
About Indian River State College: Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
February 6, 2026
Indian River State College Recognizes Local Youth with Full Scholarship
Indian River State College Senior Director of Development Maygan Johnson with Enrique Rosario-Liz.
Fort Pierce, FL (February 5, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) in partnership with Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County awarded St. Lucie County resident Enrique Rosario-Liz with a full scholarship to the College. The scholarship recognizes Rosario-Liz for his character, leadership abilities and community service.
Rosario-Liz had the option to receive two years tuition-free education through the Indian River State College Promise Program, which would have allowed him to earn an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree. He chose to receive the four-year Indian River State College Foundation scholarship to support his completion of a Bachelor’s Degree at The River.
“The scholarship provides a powerful springboard toward a future of financial freedom, educational accomplishment, and career readiness,” said Dr. Timothy Moore, Indian River State College president. “Our students benefit from small class sizes, faculty who care deeply about our students’ success, and opportunities for leadership, service learning, and career focused internships that prepares them for lives outside of graduation.”
A Club member for five years and a current 12th-grader at Port St. Lucie High School, Rosario-Liz’s hobbies include reading, writing and listening to music. An obstacle he has overovercome in his life is immigrating to the United States from the Dominican Republic. His platform focuses on providing educational resources for immigrant youth.
Later this year, Rosario-Liz will travel to Washington D.C. where he will compete for Boys and Girls Club National Youth of the Year.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
About Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County: For more than 30 years, we have been empowering young people, nurturing their potential, and equipping them to become responsible, caring, and productive citizens. Through our safe and supportive spaces, we inspire members to overcome challenges, build meaningful relationships, and develop essential life skills. As we celebrate our history, we honor our past achievements while looking ahead to an even greater future—one filled with expanded opportunities, deeper impact, and more bright futures for the youth we serve.
February 5, 2026
Indian River State College Foundation Clay Shoot to Benefit Student Veterans on Feb. 13
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2026) – The Indian River State College Foundation (IRSC Foundation) will host its Veterans Clay Shoot, presented by Gilbert’s Family of Companies, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee. Proceeds benefit the Indian River State College Military & Veterans Center for Excellence, which supports student-veterans across the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee area.
Register as an individual or team—or amplify your impact as a sponsor, including the $500 “Sponsor a Veteran” option that puts a student veteran on the course. Every dollar raised fuels scholarships, career assistance, and day-to-day support through the Indian River State College Veterans Center of Excellence. Space is limited; secure your spot at https://giving.irsc.edu/ways-to-give/clay-shoot/.
“This event directly supports our student veterans and military families—from scholarships to career assistance and day-to-day support,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “Our community shows up for those who served, and this shoot turns that support into real results for our students.”
“Supporting our student veterans is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back to those who’ve sacrificed for our country,” said IRSC Foundation Vice President Annabel Robertson, JD, CFRE. “The Veterans Clay Shoot brings our community together for a great cause—every shot fired helps a veteran succeed in the classroom and beyond. We’re grateful to Gilbert’s Family of Companies and all our sponsors for making this possible.”
Participants stand for the national anthem at the Indian River State College Foundation’s Veterans Clay Shoot event, honoring those who have served while gathering for a day of camaraderie and sporting clays.
Schedule:
- 8:00 a.m. – Registration and breakfast; opening remarks by Dr. Moore
- 8:45 a.m. – Required safety talk and course information (12- or 20-gauge only; shells provided; ear/eye protection required).
- 9:00 a.m. – Shotgun start
- Followed by – BBQ lunch with awards & raffle – Prizes are awarded to the top team and individuals.
Location:
- OK Corral Gun Club, 9449 48th Street NW, Okeechobee, FL
Presenting Sponsor: Gilbert’s Family of Companies.
Generous support is provided by Brighton Ammunition, Walpole, Inc., CRI/Level 4, Jacquin & Sons, Remnant Construction, Gordon & Partners Law Firm, and IKONIC Munitions.
Entry Fees:
- Team (4 shooters): $2000
- Individual Shooter: $500
- Sponsor a Veteran Shooter: $500 (covers one veteran’s entry, meals, awards; name on promotional materials).
Register: https://giving.irsc.edu/ways-to-give/clay-shoot/
Sponsorship questions can be directed to John Ramfjord, Senior Director of Development, jramfjord@irsc.edu or (772) 462-4786.
February 5, 2026
Indian River State College Career Expo To Connect Job Seekers with 50 Employers
FORT PIERCE, FL (February 04, 2026) — Indian River State College Career Services, in partnership with Enterprise Mobility, will host its annual Spring Career Exposition on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event is open to the public. Enterprise Mobility is serving as an employment sponsor for The River’s Career Expo, demonstrating its commitment to workforce development and providing students with direct access to career opportunities, industry insight, and professional connections.
More than 50 employers from healthcare, education, public safety, government, and private industry will participate, including Cleveland Clinic, Health First, Martin County School District, St. Lucie Public Schools, Florida Department of Corrections, Seminole Public Safety Department, US Army, Treasure Coast Hospice, and Daher Aerospace.
Job seekers will have the opportunity to interview on-site with hiring managers and learn about immediate employment opportunities. Attendees should bring multiple copies of their resume and be prepared to be interviewed.
“Indian River State College serves as a vital connector between local employers and talented individuals seeking meaningful careers in our region,” said Calvin Williams, Ph.D. Indian River State College Chief Career Officer.
Event Details:
What: Spring Career Exposition
When: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Indian River State College, Building O, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
Cost: Free and open to the public
Participating Employers Include:
Cleveland Clinic, Health First, Treasure Coast Hospice, Martin County School District, St. Lucie Public Schools, Okeechobee County Schools, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Transportation, Seminole Public Safety Department, St. Lucie County Fire District, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, US Army, Daher Aerospace, Enterprise Mobility, Charter Schools USA, Independence Classical Academy, Boys and Girls Club of Martin County, Hibiscus Children’s Center, Treasure Coast Food Bank, Elder Home Care Services, A Better Way Home Care, ARC of the Treasure Coast, Fastenal Company, Mast Electric Inc., STAline Waterworks Inc., Composite Essential Materials, Tropical Shipping, Jupiter Island Club, Gilbert Family of Companies, Kessel Medical, and many more.
February 4, 2026
Indian River State College and Superhuman Partner to Advance Agentic AI Integration in Higher Education
Fort Pierce, FL (February 3, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) today announced an expanded partnership with Superhuman (formerly Grammarly) to deploy an agentic AI infrastructure across its campuses. This step makes The River the nation’s first open enrollment state college to implement a comprehensive, institution-wide AI strategy from Superhuman that embeds intelligent assistance into the familiar digital tools students, faculty, and employees already rely on for learning, teaching, and work. Building on a successful 2025 collaboration with Grammarly —Superhuman’s writing assistance platform—the new partnership leverages Superhuman Go, designed to enhance student learning, streamline faculty workflows, and modernize administrative operations.
“Our partnership with Grammarly has been transformative, and Superhuman Go represents the next evolution of that vision,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. “AI is reshaping every industry, and our responsibility is both to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in this intelligence-driven economy and to transform our own operations to meet this moment. Colleges and universities won’t be able to position themselves for the future without working closely with AI experts who understand higher education.”
A Platform Built for Education
Superhuman Go creates a comprehensive ecosystem of AI agents, including those designed for specific academic and administrative workflows. As part of the partnership, the College will access seats for students and employees, and the ability to develop custom agents tailored to specific disciplines.
“Indian River State College is at a crossroads,” said Dr. Michael Hageloh, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives. “Generative AI is rapidly transforming education from a literacy-based world to one built around dynamic intelligence. AI is becoming the infrastructure for knowledge work. We are choosing responsible integration, and Superhuman is the partner to get us there.”
Addressing a Critical Moment in Higher Education
The partnership comes as institutions nationwide grapple with integrating generative AI in ways that enhance rather than replace human capabilities. Superhuman Go embeds contextual, proactive AI assistance directly into existing workflows—from Canvas and Google Docs to email and administrative systems.
“We are excited to bring responsible, agentic AI to Indian River State College,” said Dr. Bruce Fraser, Executive Director of AI Initiatives. “Superhuman understands education and provides the technical expertise needed to empower educators for the AI era.”
The partnership prioritizes authentic, AI-augmented learning in support of student retention, engagement, and preparation for a workforce that increasingly expects graduates to use AI technology effectively and responsibly. This approach dovetails with a second commitment: upskilling College employees and utilizing Superhuman’s platform to transform business operations.
“Indian River State College represents the kind of forward-thinking institution that recognizes AI’s potential to transform open-access education,” said Jenny Maxwell, Head of Education at Superhuman. “Their commitment to being the first open enrollment state college in the nation to embrace our comprehensive agentic AI demonstrates true leadership. We’re co-creating a replicable model that institutions nationwide can adapt.”
As the first open enrollment state college to take this step, The River will participate in Superhuman’s Customer Advisory Board, contributing insights that will shape future AI capabilities for other colleges. The River and Superhuman plan to co-publish research findings, positioning The River as a national thought leader in AI integration for open-enrollment institutions.
The expanded partnership takes effect immediately.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
About Superhuman: Superhuman (formerly Grammarly) is the AI productivity platform on a mission to unlock the superhuman potential in everyone. The Superhuman suite of apps and agents brings AI wherever people work, integrating with over 1 million applications and websites. The company’s products include Grammarly’s writing assistance, Coda’s collaborative workspaces, Mail’s inbox management, and Go, the proactive AI assistant that understands context and delivers help automatically. Founded in 2009, Superhuman empowers over 40 million people, 50,000 organizations, and 3,000 educational institutions worldwide to eliminate busywork and focus on what matters. Learn more at superhuman.com.
Media Contact: Kathleen Walter or Howard Matzner, Indian River State College, 772.789.0821 PIO@irsc.edu
February 3, 2026
Indian River State College Honors Three Athletic Teams with Academic All-Stars Skull Award
Fort Pierce, FL (January 29, 2026) – Indian River State College (The River) has announced that three athletic teams – volleyball, women’s swimming and diving, and softball – will share the prestigious Academic All-Stars Skull Award for achieving a remarkable combined 3.51 GPA during the fall 2025 semester. This marks only the second time in The River’s history that teams have tied for the honor, and the first time three teams have shared the award.
Members of The Indian River State College Swimming and Diving Team receive the Academic All-Stars Skull Award for their high academic achievement.
The announcement comes as The River’s athletic department celebrates its highest-ever departmental GPA of 3.43. Notably, 24 athletes earned perfect 4.0 GPAs.
“I am proud of our student-athletes,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. “They have shown us what is possible when young people commit themselves to excellence in every aspect of their lives. At Indian River State College, we have built a culture where our student-athletes excel both academically and athletically, and they continue to raise the bar for themselves and their teammates. Congratulations to the Academic All-Stars Skull Award recipients.”
Members of the Indian River State College Volleyball Team receive the Academic All-Stars Skull Award for their high academic achievement.
Athletic Director Scott Kimmelman praised the accomplishment as a reflection of the college’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes. “We are incredibly proud of these young individuals who exemplify what it means to be a student-athlete,” Kimmelman said. “The dedication shown by our volleyball, swimming and diving, and softball teams represents the very best of Indian River State College athletics. This achievement demonstrates that our student-athletes can compete at the highest level both in the classroom and in competition.”
Members of the Indian River State College Softball Team receive the Academic All-Stars Skull Award for their high academic achievement.
The volleyball team, led by Head Coach Erin Ergle, the women’s swimming and diving team under Head Coach Sion Brinn, and the softball team coached by Joe DellaRocca each maintained the exemplary 3.51 GPA that earned them the shared honor.
For the softball program, this marks a historic first, as it is the first time in program history that the team has won the Academic All-Stars Skull Award. The women’s swimming and diving team saw 13 of its 21 athletes achieve GPAs over 3.5, with four earning a perfect 4.0.
The Academic All-Stars Skull Award recognizes the athletic team with the highest collective GPA each semester, encouraging student-athletes to pursue excellence both in their sport and in their studies.
For more information about Indian River State College athletics, visit irsc.edu.
January 29, 2026
Save the Date: Veterans Hobbies & Helping Hands Fair on March 6
DATE: Friday, March 6, 2026
TIME: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Indian River State College, Veterans Center of Excellence (Building D)
500 NW California Blvd, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986
The Indian River State College (“The River”) Veterans Center of Excellence invites veterans, their families, and the community to discover new passions and purpose at the Second Annual Hobbies & Helping Hands Fair. This free community event offers veterans and their loved ones a chance to explore an array of engaging hobbies and meaningful volunteer opportunities. This event celebrates our veterans by connecting them with activities that enrich their lives and opportunities to continue serving their community.
What to Expect
From artistic pursuits like photography and quilting to outdoor adventures including scuba diving and birdwatching, attendees can sample activities that spark joy and foster connection.
Featured activities include:
- Creative Arts: Photography, Traditional Rug Hooking, Art, Quilting, Crocheting, and Wood Turning
- Outdoor Recreation: Scuba Diving, Golf, Gardening (Herbs and Spices), Birdwatching, and Planetarium Experiences
- Wellness Activities: Yoga, Dance and Exercise, and Budget-Friendly Cooking
- Community Services: Honor Flight, Grace Packs, Children’s Advocacy, Red Cross, and Beekeeping
The fair will also showcase veteran-focused support organizations, including Veterans Services, Warriors for Life, Purple Heart Cane, and Be Believed Here. Whether you’re interested in learning a new hobby or giving back through volunteerism, there’s something for everyone.
Contact: Camilo Medina, Veteran Student Success Coordinator, cmedina@irsc.edu | 772-336-6370
January 27, 2026
USA Team Handball and Indian River State College Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish National Training Presence on Florida’s Treasure Coast
FORT PIERCE, FL — Indian River State College and USA Team Handball officially launched their strategic partnership, establishing a national team training presence on Florida’s Treasure Coast. The collaboration, supported by Play Treasure Coast/Treasure Coast Sports Commission and St. Lucie Public Schools, positions the region as an emerging hub for Olympic sport development.
Players and coaches from the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy pose together following the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy handball match at Fort Pierce Central High School, celebrating the launch of USA Team Handball’s National Training Center partnership with Indian River State College.
Athletes relocated to the region and began training operations in January. The partnership was celebrated with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy collegiate handball match in Fort Pierce, where the United States Military Academy defeated the United States Air Force Academy 41 – 29. The match was attended by U.S. Medal of Honor recipient SSG David Bellavia, USA (Ret.) and Lt. Gen Frank Libutti, USMC (Ret.).
St. Lucie Public Schools made the Westwood Academy Gym available for training operations, ensuring continuity as The River and USA Team Handball develop dedicated on-site facilities.
An athlete soars during the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy handball match at Fort Pierce Central High School, where the U.S. Military Academy defeated the U.S. Air Force Academy 41-29 in celebration of the USA Team Handball and Indian River State College partnership.
“A consistent training environment requires cooperation, shared resources, and institutional commitment,” said Michael King, CEO of USA Team Handball. “Thanks to Indian River State College, Play Treasure Coast, and St. Lucie Public Schools, our athletes can train with continuity and accelerate toward sustained international performance.”
“Indian River State College is proud to serve as home to USA Team Handball’s National Training Center, joining USA Diving in making our campus a premier destination for Olympic-level athletics,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. “This partnership creates invaluable opportunities for our students and supports future Olympians right here at The River.”
USA Team Handball became the second Olympic sport National Governing Body to establish operations at The River. The partnership builds training infrastructure and strengthens the United States’ competitive position internationally in preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic cycle.
Download the media kit!
About USA Team Handball: USA Team Handball is the National Governing Body for the sport of team handball in the United States, responsible for national teams, grassroots development, and international representation in Olympic, Paralympic, and world championship competition.
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 over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses.
Media Contact: PIO@IRSC.edu
January 23, 2026
What Really Happened in 1776? Fielden Institute Reveals the Dramatic Story Behind America’s Founding Document
Event Details:
- Event Name: Divided Minds and the Birth of the Declaration
- Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Location: Indian River State College, Massey Campus, Room V-110, Fort Pierce, FL
- Cost: Free (reservations required)
- Registration: Call 772-462-7880 or email tlacey1@irsc.edu
- Target Audience: Lifelong learners, adults 55+, history enthusiasts, community members
- Event Type: Distinguished Lecture Series, educational seminar, 250th anniversary year commemoration
FORT PIERCE, FL (January 22, 2026) – They didn’t all agree. In fact, they argued, debated, and fundamentally disagreed about the future of a nation that didn’t yet exist. The story of the Declaration of Independence isn’t just about unity—it’s about brilliant minds clashing over ideas that would change the world forever.
In honor of the 250th anniversary year of this pivotal moment in history, the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at Indian River State College presents “Divided Minds and the Birth of the Declaration” on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Massey Campus, Room V-110.
Forget what you learned in high school. This isn’t your typical history lecture. Four dynamic scholars will pull back the curtain on the heated debates, competing visions, and raw ambition that shaped the document we celebrate today—and explore why those 250-year-old arguments still matter in 2026.
Featured Speakers and Topics:
- Dr. David Purificato (Indian River State College) – Historical events leading up to the Declaration of Independence
- Dr. Carl Colavito (Florida State College at Jacksonville) – “Divisions Among the Founders Shape a New Nation”
- Dr. Debidatta Mahapatra (Florida State College at Jacksonville) – “Great Minds Not Just Conform but Also Confront: An Exploration Into the Clash of Visions that Shaped the Declaration and the Aftermath Thereof”
- David Yankwitt (Indian River State College) – Contemporary context and modern implications
- Moderator: Scott Simmons (Indian River State College)
This engaging morning promises lively discussion, surprising revelations, and historical insights about America’s founding.
This free event is designed with lifelong learners in mind, and all community members with a curiosity about American history are welcome. Reservations are required. Space is limited, so secure your spot today by calling Theresa Lacey at 772-462-7880 or emailing tlacey1@irsc.edu.
Come discover that the birth of America was messier, more contentious, and far more fascinating than you ever imagined.
About the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning: The Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning, operated by the Indian River State College Foundation, transforms curiosity into discovery. Through thought-provoking courses, lectures, and programs, the Institute creates a vibrant community where adults explore new ideas, engage with expert scholars, and feed their passion for learning. The Indian River State College Foundation supports educational excellence and enrichment opportunities that enhance the college’s mission to serve the Treasure Coast community. It’s education for the joy of it—because the best students never stop asking questions.
Contact:
Theresa Lacey, Program Director
Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning
Indian River State College Foundation 772-462-7880
tlacey1@irsc.edu
January 22, 2026
Indian River State College and USA Team Handball Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish National Training Presence on Florida’s Treasure Coast
Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy Collegiate Handball Match to Mark Launch on January 17, 2026
Fort Pierce, FL (January 16, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) and USA Team Handball have formally launched a strategic partnership to establish a sustained national team training presence on Florida’s Treasure Coast, supported by Play Treasure Coast / the Treasure Coast Sports Commission, and St. Lucie Public Schools.
The partnership represents a significant step in USA Team Handball’s long-term national training site strategy, as The River and USA Team Handball collaborate on the development of dedicated, on-site handball facilities. During this maturation phase, St. Lucie Public Schools has provided exceptional support by making the Westwood Academy Gym available for training and programming, ensuring immediate continuity for athletes and staff.
This collaborative effort positions the Treasure Coast as a growing hub for Olympic and international sport development, aligning higher education, public schools, and destination sports tourism around a shared vision for sustained national-level training that prepares athletes for the highest levels of global competition.
“This partnership reflects the kind of collaboration and support it takes to move American handball forward,” said Michael King, Chief Executive Officer of USA Team Handball. “A consistent training environment is always a prerequisite to success, but it is never a given—it requires cooperation, shared resources, and institutional commitment. Thanks to Indian River State College, Play Treasure Coast, and St. Lucie Public Schools, we move directly into a full preparatory environment. That step change allows our athletes to train with continuity and accelerate toward sustained international performance.”
“Indian River State College is proud to serve as the future home to USA Team Handball’s National Training Center, joining USA Diving in making our campus a premier destination for Olympic-level athletics,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “This partnership reflects our commitment to excellence in all areas—from academics to athletics—and creates invaluable learning opportunities for our students while strengthening our ties to the Treasure Coast community. We’re excited to welcome USA Team Handball to Fort Pierce and support the development of future Olympians right here at The River.”
Athletes are scheduled to begin relocating and training in the region in January, marking the operational start of the partnership. The public kickoff of the collaboration will take place on January 17, 2026, 3:30 p.m., with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy collegiate handball match between the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Military Academy (West Point). The match will be held at Fort Pierce Central High School, serving both as a competitive showcase and as a ceremonial launch of the partnership’s physical footprint in the region.
Rick Hatcher, President/CEO of Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism, said, “This event represents everything Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism stands for—elite competition, national impact, and unforgettable experiences. Bringing West Point’s 17-time national championship program together with the U.S. Air Force Academy, alongside U.S. National Team leadership, puts Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, and the Treasure Coast on the map as a premier destination for emerging Olympic sports like team handball.”
“St. Lucie Public Schools is thrilled to partner with Indian River State College, USA Team Handball, and Play Treasure Coast in bringing this exciting national training presence to our community. By repurposing Fort Pierce Westwood Academy’s original gym to serve as a dedicated training venue for elite athletes, we are not only directly contributing to the growth of Olympic-level sports in the United States but also creating unique, inspiring opportunities for our own students. This collaboration exposes our students to world-class athletes, fosters a culture of excellence, and strengthens the ties between education, athletics, and community pride. We deeply appreciate the shared vision and commitment from all partners, and we look forward to the positive impact this will have on our students for years to come,” said St. Lucie Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon R. Prince.
USA Team Handball’s partnership with The River and regional stakeholders reflects a broader commitment to building durable training infrastructure, expanding domestic development pathways, and strengthening the United States’ competitive position internationally in advance of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic cycle and beyond. USA Team Handball joins USA Diving as the second Olympic sport National Governing Body to establish operations at Indian River State College.
Additional announcements regarding facility development, programming expansion, and community engagement initiatives will be made as the partnership progresses.
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About USA Team Handball: USA Team Handball is the National Governing Body for the sport of team handball in the United States, responsible for national teams, grassroots development, and international representation in Olympic, Paralympic, and world championship competition.
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 over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
January 16, 2026