LSSC’s Early College Programs provides college readiness opportunities for K-12 students through credit and non-credit programs. Detailed information about each program can be found at lssc.edu/ECP.

College Credit Early College Programs

Dual Enrollment Programs

Lake-Sumter State College offers students the opportunity to earn college credits while completing high school requirements in partnership with local schools. These programs include:

• Dual Enrollment (6th-12th grade)- Allows students to take college courses in a part-time basis.
• Early Admission (12th grade)- Allows students to take college courses in a full-time basis.

Early College Academies

Lake-Sumter State College offers structured dual enrollment programs designed to allow a student to earn a college certificate or degree while completing high school requirements. These programs also include various experiential learning opportunities.

• Criminal Justice Early College Academy (9th-12th grade)- An AA-track program at Mount Dora High School that includes courses and activities with a criminal justice emphasis.
• Engineering Technology Early College Academy (10th-12th grade)- A part-time program that allows students to earn a College Credit Certificate in Engineering Technology while engaging I hands-on engineering activities.
• Health Sciences Collegiate Academy (9th-12th grade)- An AA-track program in collaboration with local area hospitals to provide students courses and activities in health sciences and STEM professions.
• The Villages Early College Academy (10th-12th grade)- An AA-track program at the Villages High School that includes dual enrollment courses and various college preparatory activities.

Non-Credit Early College Programs

Youth Outreach Programs

Lake-Sumter State College offers youth-focused college experiences for building social, emotional, and practical college skills. Programs offered throughout the year include workshops, virtual STEM classes, certification courses, and camps. These programs include:

• Kids’ College (1st-9th grade)- An interactive summer experience where school-aged children can explore new areas of interest and creativity through a simulated college experience.
• Xploration Classes (4th-12th grade)- Non-credit courses and certifications that allows students to gain skills in STEM, financial literacy, career exploration, pediatric CPR, and PERT exam preparation.
• Leaders-in-Training Program (10th-12th grade)- A targeted leadership program that helps students gain skills in conflict resolution, time management, public speaking, and project management.

Educational Opportunity Programs

Lake-Sumter State College offers free college prep programs that include ACT/SAT prep, career exploration, college tours, field trips, financial aid literacy, and college coaching and mentoring.

• Talent Search (6th-12th grade)- A federal program that provides various college prep and mentorship opportunities for first-generation and low-income students.
• Emerging Lakehawks (9th-12th grade)- A high school program that provides students targeted college preparation activities and coaching to ease their transition into Lake-Sumter State College.