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FORT PIERCE, Fla. (April 3, 2026) — ������ý River State ������ý is proud to join Florida’s 28 state colleges in celebrating Florida ������ý System Month this April. 

Florida ranks number one in the nation in higher education, workforce education, graduation rates, affordability, and attracting and retaining talent. ������ý River State ������ý — known throughout the Treasure Coast region as The River — is a proud and powerful contributor to that distinction. 

“At ������ý River State ������ý, we see every day what accessible, affordable education does for our students and for the communities of Martin, St. Lucie, ������ý River, and Okeechobee counties,” said President Timothy E. Moore. “Florida ������ý System Month is an opportunity to celebrate not just what we have built, but what our students have accomplished — and to recommit to opening doors for every person on the Treasure Coast who wants to build a better life.” 

THE RIVER: A TREASURE COAST INSTITUTION WITH STATEWIDE IMPACT 

������ý River State ������ý serves students across the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee through a full spectrum of educational pathways — from industry certifications and associate degrees to bachelor’s degree programs. With more than 130 total programs, The River prepares students for careers in healthcare, technology, business, public safety, the arts, and beyond. 

Statewide, Florida ������ý System students earned 137,090 degrees, certificates, and industry certifications in 2024-25. Industry certifications alone grew by more than 8%, building on a 15% increase the prior year. Career and Technical Education enrollment has grown 54% since 2018-19, with more than 293,000 students enrolled across Florida’s state colleges. ������ý River State ������ý students are a vital and growing part of that success. 

THE PROMISE PROGRAM: MAKING COLLEGE REAL FOR TREASURE COAST STUDENTS 

������ý River State ������ý is home to the Promise Program, which makes a tuition-free associate degree possible for qualifying students from Martin, St. Lucie, ������ý River, and Okeechobee counties. The Promise Program is a shining example of what the Florida ������ý System stands for — removing financial barriers, eliminating student debt, and proving that where you come from does not determine where you can go. 

For families across the Treasure Coast region who once believed college was out of reach, The River and the Promise Program are changing that story — one student at a time. 

BACHELOR’S DEGREES AND BEYOND: CLEAR PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE 

������ý River State ������ý offers bachelor’s degree programs, giving students the ability to earn a four-year degree close to home and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional university. In addition, The River’s articulation agreements create seamless transfer pathways for Associate in Arts graduates moving into bachelor’s degree programs at Florida universities. 

Statewide, for the students earning degrees in 2023-24, nearly two-thirds of the Associate in Arts graduates transferred the next year into bachelor’s degree programs and nearly 90% of the workforce program graduates were working or continuing their education the next year right here in Florida. 

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE: MILITARY AND VETERANS SERVICES AT THE RIVER 

������ý River State ������ý is deeply committed to the men and women who have served our country and to the families who stand beside them. The River’s dedicated Military and Veterans Services Department provides comprehensive support to active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, and their families — helping them navigate benefits, access resources, and succeed academically. 

That commitment has been formally recognized. ������ý River State ������ý has earned the prestigious Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus Designation, an honor that identifies institutions providing exceptional support to military and veteran students and families.

Florida’s state colleges enrolled more than 43,000 active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, and their families in 2024-25. At ������ý River State ������ý, serving those who have served is not a program — it is a commitment. In the 2024–25 academic year, ������ý River State ������ý enrolled 1,345 veterans, active-duty military members, or family members using their VA benefits at the ������ý.  

The River believes that the path to a college degree begins before a student ever graduates high school. Through robust dual enrollment programs, high school students can earn college credit tuition-free, getting a head start on their future while saving their families thousands of dollars. 

Statewide, more than 103,000 secondary students participated in dual enrollment in 2024-25, saving Florida families more than $95 million in tuition and fees. ������ý River State ������ý is proud to contribute to that impact, with students currently participating in dual enrollment programs across the region. 

What makes The River truly unique is that ������ý River State ������ý directly operates two exceptional schools that bridge secondary and higher education: 

 in Martin County and ������ýtown High School in ������ýtown are operated by ������ý River State ������ý. This extraordinary distinction gives students in those communities a direct, supported pathway from high school into college programs. These schools reflect The River’s belief that investing in students early, and investing in our communities, is how you change a region’s future. 

CIVIC LITERACY AND CITIZENSHIP 

������ý River State ������ý is committed to graduating not just career-ready students, but informed citizens. Statewide in 2024-25, Florida ������ý System students completed more than 127,000 U.S. History and Government courses with civic literacy components — more than doubling the number of students per year taking these courses. The River proudly upholds this commitment to civic education as a cornerstone of a complete college experience. 

ECONOMIC IMPACT: POWERING THE TREASURE COAST AND BEYOND 

As a cornerstone of the Treasure Coast regional economy, ������ý River State ������ý delivers a powerful and measurable impact, generating more than $1 billion in annual economic output and supporting over 15,000 jobs through its operations, alumni, and regional partnerships. According to analyses by  in 2024, the ������ý produces an exceptional return on investment—contributing approximately $6.69 in economic activity for every $1 spent in Florida—while equipping students with skills that translate into long-term earning potential.  

Through transformative initiatives like the Promise Program and Career and Technical Education programs, The River strengthens critical industries such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and hospitality, while driving workforce development across ������ý River, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. Continued investments in facilities, technology, and training further position the ������ý as a leading force in regional growth, expanding opportunity for students and fueling economic prosperity throughout the state. 

A MESSAGE FROM EDUCATION LEADERS 

“I’m proud to celebrate our Great 28,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Florida is the number one state in workforce education, and our colleges are essential to that success. With high-quality, affordable programs that limit student debt, the Florida ������ý System sets the national standard for excellence.” 

“Florida’s college system is second to none, leading the nation with innovation and purpose,” said Senior Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell. “With more than 800 career and academic programs, the Florida ������ý System puts students on a path to prosperity and equips them with the skills needed for Florida’s future workforce.” 

“At ������ý River State ������ý, we are deeply connected to the communities we serve, and Florida ������ý System Month is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact our work has throughout the Treasure Coast region,” said Dr. Angela Browning, Vice President of Research, Governmental Relations, and Institutional Effectiveness. “Every day, we see students overcome barriers, discover their potential, and step confidently into careers that strengthen our region’s future. Whether through workforce training, dual enrollment, or programs like the Promise Program, we are committed to ensuring that opportunity is not limited by circumstance. At The River, student success drives everything we do.” 

“At ������ý River State ������ý, we are driven by a clear purpose: to expand opportunity and empower success at every stage of a student’s journey,” said Provost Dr. Heather Belmont. “Florida ������ý System Month highlights the transformative impact of our work — from dual enrollment students taking their first college courses, to graduates launching meaningful careers across the Treasure Coast and beyond. At The River, we remain committed to innovation, academic excellence, and ensuring every student has a clear, affordable pathway to achieve their goals and contribute to Florida’s continued success.” 

📊&�Բ�����;THE RIVER BY THE NUMBERS 

Fast facts about ������ý River State ������ý — one of Florida’s Great 28 state colleges 

For more information about ������ý River State ������ý, visit irsc.edu. For more information about the Florida ������ý System, visit .