Emerald Coast Technical College Expanding To Watersound

Educational opportunities continue to improve and expand in South Walton, building brighter futures right here in our own backyard.

Emerald Coast Technical College (ECTC) in DeFuniak Springs has truly expanded its reach, opening a brand-new south campus at Magnet Innovation Center – Watersound. This isn't just another building, it's a vibrant hub designed to bring valuable educational programs and industry certifications closer to home for residents in the southern part of our beautiful county, unlocking a world of promising career opportunities. You'll find this impressive new facility conveniently located at 133 S. Watersound Parkway, just across Highway 98 from the bustling Watersound Town Center.

This expansion means that accessing top-notch training is easier than ever. Among the exciting programs making waves at ECTC's Watersound campus is Applied Information Technology (AIT). This program meticulously prepares students for the industry-standard CompTIA A+ certification, a credential highly coveted by IT businesses actively seeking qualified employees right here on the Emerald Coast.

The AIT program, under the dedicated leadership of instructor Dave Duvall, has already achieved something truly remarkable: an impressive 100% completion rate! Every single student enrolled in the program has successfully earned their CompTIA A+ certification. Graduates from this program are not just getting certified; they are making a tangible impact, either securing employment within our thriving local IT sector or choosing to continue their educational journey at ECTC's main campus. "Seeing our students walk out with their certifications, ready to step into great jobs, that's what it's all about," shared Duvall, beaming with pride. "We're building a skilled workforce right here, and it's incredibly rewarding."

But the Watersound Campus offers more than just IT. It's also home to a vital Patient Care Technician program and a comprehensive Practical Nursing program, with even more exciting programs already in the planning stages! This commitment to diverse, in-demand fields ensures that ECTC is truly serving the evolving needs of our community.

The best part? These transformative programs are open to adult learners aged 16 and up, making it accessible for anyone looking to upskill or embark on a new career path. Plus, high school juniors and seniors in the district can take advantage of invaluable dual enrollment opportunities, earning college credits while still in high school – a fantastic head start! The Fall term is just around the corner, kicking off on August 11th, and enrollment is open now. Don't let this incredible opportunity pass you by!

For more comprehensive details on the programs offered and how you can enroll, be sure to visit the official Emerald Coast Technical College website. You can also reach out directly to IT Instructor Dave Duvall at 850-557-2804 or via email at glen.duvall@walton.k12.fl.us.

Magnet Innovation Center is a unique school focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics project based learning and instruction. Founded in 2019, MIC’s goal is to create opportunities for our students to participate in engaging, hands-on, inquiry based instruction that applies to real-world scenarios. The school prepares students for college and in-demand careers and careers of the future through STEAM instruction. This is accomplished through project based learning approach that not only focuses on STEAM content, but also on skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving. MIC is an extension of South Walton High School, located on a separate campus.