Lake Technical College wins 2026 Best of Florida Regional Award

Lake Technical College received a 2026 Best of Florida Regional Award as it marks its 60th anniversary, highlighting the Eustis school’s role in workforce training and local economic development. The recognition comes as Lake Tech expands regional access, reports strong completion and placement outcomes, and continues adding career-focused programs across Central Florida.

Why it matters: - Lake Technical College’s recognition lands during its 60th anniversary year, adding outside validation to the school’s role in workforce development. - The award highlights the college’s impact on training workers for high-demand jobs across Lake and Sumter counties and beyond. - The school’s reported outcomes include a 100% licensure pass rate, a 90% program completion rate, and an 86% job placement rate.

What happened: - Lake Technical College was named a 2026 Best of Florida Regional Award winner. - The announcement was made in Eustis, Florida, on Sept. 18, 2026. - Lake Technical College is a public institution focused on career education, adult education and workforce training. - The college offers more than 30 fast-track career certificate programs. - Program areas include healthcare, public safety, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality and IT.

The details: - Lake Technical College says its model combines hands-on instruction with local employer partnerships. - The college says that approach helps students build job skills and pursue high-wage careers with limited debt. - President DeAnna Thomas said the award reflects the work of students, faculty and industry partners. - Thomas said the college’s mission is to provide accessible, high-quality training that leads directly to careers and supports economic growth. - Lake Technical College operates from its Main Campus in Eustis. - The college also runs specialized facilities in Tavares, including the Institute of Public Safety, the Transportation Innovation Hub and Veterinary Assisting. - The Lake Technical College South campus in Clermont is the newest expansion. - Lake Technical College offers adult education classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages and GED test preparation across Lake and Sumter counties.

Between the lines: - The award fits a broader push by technical colleges to position themselves as direct pipelines into local labor markets. - The combination of fast-track certificates, employer partnerships and multiple campuses signals a strategy built around access and speed to employment. - The strong placement and completion numbers help reinforce the college’s workforce-training pitch.

What’s next: - Lake Technical College is expected to keep expanding access through its regional campuses and adult education offerings. - The school will likely continue leaning on employer partnerships as workforce demand grows in the region. - The anniversary year and award may give the college additional visibility as it recruits students for career-technical programs.

The bottom line: - Lake Technical College is using its anniversary year to showcase a workforce model built on speed, access and job outcomes. - The regional award adds momentum to that message as the college expands its footprint and training reach. More information is available in the college’s announcement .