CFK Receives $2.28 Million Grant to Expand Student Access

The College of the Florida Keys announced on November 19, 2025 that it has secured $2,284,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education under the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program. The five year award will be used to expand virtual instructional capacity and to establish additional student support services on campus, with implementation planned through 2030.

Title III Strengthening Institutions is a competitive federal initiative intended to help colleges expand their capacity to serve low income students by improving academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability. For CFK, the award targets two pressing needs for students living throughout the Florida Keys. The funds will support enhanced technology infrastructure to strengthen virtual instruction and will create dedicated student wellness services on campus.

"This grant will allow the College to make significant investments in student success at CFK," said Dr. Brittany Snyder, CFK Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "By expanding our virtual offerings and prioritizing critical needs, more students can access quality higher education and complete their degrees."

Local public health and social equity implications are central to the college plan. Student wellness services on campus can expand access to mental health resources, health navigation and supportive services that reduce barriers to academic persistence. For residents of Monroe County where students are dispersed across islands and face transportation and broadband challenges, stronger virtual offerings mean fewer students must choose between work family and education. Improved degree completion rates can also bolster the local workforce in health services hospitality and other sectors that rely on credentialed employees.

The grant is also intended to reinforce CFK's institutional stability. By investing in academic quality and management capacity the college aims to serve a larger proportion of low income students more effectively. That is significant for a community where economic disparities and geographic isolation have long shaped educational opportunity. Federal investment through Title III is meant to level the playing field and help smaller institutions build sustainable supports that benefit students and the broader community.

CFK officials say the funding will be phased in over the five year award period with projects focused on technology upgrades virtual course development and staffing for wellness services. For Monroe County residents who are current or prospective students the changes could mean more accessible class schedules improved online learning experiences and on campus supports that address health and wellbeing as part of academic success.

For more information about Student Success Services and implementation timelines contact the College of the Florida Keys through the offices listed on the college website.