LAKE CITY, Fla. – On Tuesday, Florida Gateway College finished competition for the 2026 Bellwether Award for Instructional Programs & Services as one of only 10 finalist colleges from across the country. The honors were announced at the 32nd Annual Community College Futures Assembly in San Antonio, Texas.
FGC’s submission entitled “Bridging the Gap: Turning Dual Enrollment into Full Enrollment” was selected from a record pool of applicants, making FGC the only college in the state of Florida to be named a finalist for the 2026 Award in any category.
A team of FGC representatives presented the college’s innovative approach to dual enrollment, fully integrating the program into the Recruitment and Admissions department and aligning with Advising, Registration, and Financial Aid to create a coordinated enrollment pipeline. The initiative has eliminated barriers, streamlined the transition after high school graduation, and boosted student outcomes in FGC continuation and completion.