U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $5.2 Million in Lake-Sumter State College Workforce Training Center
Eustis Education and Training Center will address critical labor shortages through CDL and lineworker training programs
EUSTIS, Fla., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) has been awarded a $5.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support the development of the Eustis Education and Training Center (EETC), a regional workforce development facility designed to address critical labor shortages and strengthen economic growth across Lake County and Central Florida.
The project includes a $1.3 million local investment from LSSC and will establish a workforce training hub on an 8-acre site donated by the City of Eustis. Located at the intersection of State Road 44 and Hicks Ditch Road in north Eustis, the EETC will provide specialized training for two of the region's most in-demand occupations: commercial drivers and electrical lineworkers. The site includes space for future program expansion.
According to the Florida Chamber Foundation, careers in transportation, logistics, and utility infrastructure are among the state's most critical workforce needs. Florida labor projections estimate nearly 13,500 annual openings for commercial truck drivers alone over the next decade.
Once completed, the EETC will deliver credential-based training programs that prepare students for immediate employment while supporting long-term economic development goals. LSSC maintains a 95% job placement rate in these programs, connecting graduates with high-wage, high-demand careers.
"The Eustis Education and Training Center represents a transformational investment in our community's workforce and economic future," said John Temple, president of Lake-Sumter State College. "The EETC will help local employers fill critical workforce needs while creating high-wage career opportunities that allow residents to learn and work locally while building their future here."
"We are grateful to Congressman Daniel Webster for his support and advocacy on our behalf to make this a reality for Lake-Sumter State College and our community," Temple added. "In fact, there were many partners and elected officials whose support helped make this project possible including U.S. Senator Rick Scott, U.S. Representative Daniel Webster, State Senator Dennis Baxley, State Senator Keith Truenow, State Representative Nan Cobb, State Representative Taylor Yarkosky, Mayor Emily Lee, the City of Eustis, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Their support will create opportunities for generations of students while strengthening the economic vitality of our region."
The center will feature dedicated indoor and outdoor training facilities for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) instruction and electrical lineworker education, creating opportunities for students to quickly gain industry-recognized credentials and enter the workforce in occupations experiencing significant labor shortages.
"This project represents what can happen when local, state, and federal partners come together with a shared vision," said State Rep. Nan Cobb. "It has been an honor to support this effort as the state representative for this community and I'm grateful to Congressman Webster for his support at the federal level. The City of Eustis and Lake County deserve this opportunity because it provides another pathway for students to learn locally, work locally, and build successful careers close to home. I have supported this project since my time as a Eustis Commissioner, and we were intentional about including scholarships for city employees and local residents. When communities work together, everyone benefits, and ultimately the biggest winners are the students of Lake County."
Planning will start immediately with construction expected to begin in early 2027, and the site will welcome students in 2028.
About Lake-Sumter State College
Founded in 1962, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) offers a high-quality education at an affordable price to the communities of Lake and Sumter counties. LSSC embraces its mission as a community college to increase access and opportunity for all learners in its community. As a proud member of the Florida College System, LSSC serves more than 12,000 students annually at four locations and online: Leesburg, Four Corners, South Lake (Clermont), and Sumterville. LSSC offers non-credit, certificate, associate degree, and bachelor's degree programs designed to support and prepare students to pursue their goals and join Florida's dynamic workforce. LSSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more about LSSC at www.lssc.edu.
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SOURCE Lake-Sumter State College
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