Access to higher education is a significant advantage for Hawthorne Industry Park’s businesses, employers and employees.
Only 15 miles away is University of Florida, ranked one of the most prestigious, research-focused universities in the country. In addition to UF’s expansive selection of colleges and programs, the Office of Industrial Outreach connects industry with the university’s world-class talent and resources through successful collaboration and meaningful, invaluable partnerships. Through the Florida High Tech Corridor, UF offers joint research funding opportunities and training for academic entrepreneurs, provides licensing opportunities for companies, facilitates the commercialization process, and coordinates networking and technical assistance to support the development of companies and technologies in the region. UF has helped launch more than 190 startups based on researchers’ technologies in the past 15 years.
Santa Fe College, with a number-one ranking of all two-year colleges by The Aspen Institute, is dedicated to economic development for the area with two local campuses. The Center for Innovation and Economic Development custom-designs short, long and e-learning online courses for professionals, businesses, industries and governments. In all its programs, the college offers classes to suit the schedules of students, with flexible semesters, early morning and evening options and Saturday classes. Santa Fe College sends more transfers to University of Florida than any other institution.
Beyond the area, Florida and South Georgia offer an abundance of vocational schools, colleges and universities.