SouthTech Treasure Coast will open in Fort Pierce in August, bringing tuition-free career and technical education to middle and high school students on the Treasure Coast. The St. Lucie County School Board approved the charter application in April. School leaders selected the Treasure Coast location because of the area's growing demand for skilled workers.
The Fort Pierce campus will serve students in grades 6 through 12, with plans to enroll about 460 students in its first year. Students will choose from career academies including medical science, culinary arts, cosmetology, agriculture technology, and other programs similar to those offered at the existing Boynton Beach campus. The school allows students to earn adult level industry certifications while completing traditional coursework, helping them build real-world skills and prepare for high-demand careers before they graduate.
Carla Lovett, Executive Director of SouthTech Schools, said all students are working on their academics while also participating in one of the career academies where they can earn adult level industry certifications while still in high school. Nicole Handy, Director of Expansion of SouthTech Schools, said the school is targeting high paying careers that are growing and expanding in the Fort Pierce area.
Meghan Hess Shamdasani, Career and Technical Education Program Coordinator, said it's better to learn something for free when you're a kid than to pay for it in college and learn. School leaders say the goal is to give students a head start on their careers by helping them graduate with valuable skills and certifications before entering the workforce or continuing their education.
SouthTech Treasure Coast will host a grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving families and community members a chance to tour the new campus and learn more about the programs being offered. The school is located at 2810 S. US Highway 1 in Fort Pierce. The new campus is based on a model already operating at SouthTech Academy in Boynton Beach, which has spent years combining traditional academics with hands-on career training.