Dr. Shelletta Baker was awarded a mini-grant from the Center of Undergraduate Research in Mathematics (CURM) for the 2026-27 year. The award will provide funds for Dr. Baker to work...
FSCJ received a $20,000 matching grant through the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) to expand entrepreneurship education and student venture development. The initiative includes $10,000 in funding from...
On June 23, Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new Barbering Lab at Kent Campus, expanding the program to serve even more...
Mathematics Faculty Receives Mini-Grant for Student Research Project
Dr. Shelletta Baker was awarded a mini-grant from the Center of Undergraduate Research in Mathematics (CURM) for the 2026-27 year. The award will provide funds for Dr. Baker to work with five early career student participants at FSCJ.
Through this grant, FSCJ will partner with Georgia Gwinnett College to engage students in collaborative, year‑long research experiences that deepen mathematical understanding, strengthen problem‑solving skills and build pathways toward future academic and professional success.
Dr. Baker and participating faculty are invited attend the Summer Faculty Workshop in New Orleans, LA. In addition, Dr. Baker and selected students will attend a regional mathematics conference where they will present their work in spring 2027. At the end of the award year, students will submit a final research paper to CURM.
"Receiving this grant reflects both the strength of Dr. Baker’s proposal and her commitment to expanding meaningful learning opportunities for students," said Interim Dean of Mathematics Le'Titia Parsons-Davis.
CURM is an National Science Foundation (NSF)‑funded program that supports high‑impact undergraduate research experiences in mathematics.
FSCJ to Host 2026 Everyday Entrepreneur Program Pitch Competition
FSCJ received a $20,000 matching grant through the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) to expand entrepreneurship education and student venture development. The initiative includes $10,000 in funding from NACCE, matched by $10,000 from Valley Bank, creating new opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial skills, compete for seed funding and connect with Jacksonville's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Students complete Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's (NFTE) nationally recognized entrepreneurship curriculum before presenting investor-ready business concepts during the competition. Participants will present their business ventures before a panel of entrepreneurs, investors, bankers and business leaders.
The competition includes:
Preliminary judging conducted simultaneously in two breakout rooms
Top two participants from each room advance to the championship round
Final presentations before a five-member judging panel
Four student ventures receive cash awards
Judges evaluate each venture based on the quality of the business opportunity, customer value proposition, presentation effectiveness and overall feasibility. The judging panel is composed primarily of entrepreneurs, investors, business executives, community leaders and Valley Bank representatives.
Event Details
When: Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 4–7 p.m.
Where: FSCJ Urban Resource Center, Room URC 103 601 West State StreetJacksonville, Florida 32202
The Everyday Entrepreneur Program is coordinated by Gregory Grant, Ed.S., Entreprenologist and Adjunct Professor in FSCJ's Continuing Workforce Education (CWE) Department.
The program is delivered through a collaborative partnership including:
National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE)
Valley Bank
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
FSCJ Continuing Workforce Education (CWE)
FSCJ Student Services
The Stepping Stones Program is directed by Maggy Dartiguenave and entrepreneurship instruction is provided by Deidra McNair-Pinkney.
Administrative leadership and institutional support are provided by Cedrick Gibson, Associate Vice President, Continuing Workforce Education and Pamela Walker, Associate Vice President, Student Services, Stepping Stones Program.
The Everyday Entrepreneur Program provides students with practical entrepreneurial experience by combining classroom instruction, mentorship and real-world business pitching. Through collaboration among NACCE, Valley Bank, NFTE and FSCJ, students gain access to nationally recognized entrepreneurship education, professional feedback, networking opportunities and seed funding to help launch future ventures.
The program reflects FSCJ's commitment to workforce innovation while expanding pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs throughout Northeast Florida.
On June 23, Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new Barbering Lab at Kent Campus, expanding the program to serve even more students. Within this new space,students will have opportunities for personal and professional growth as they prepare for the required state licensing exam.
Currently housed in a dedicated lab at FSCJ's North Campus, the barbering program was awarded a $40,000 grant to support the project expansion during the 2024 National Association of Community College Entrepreneurs Pitch for the Skilled Trades competition.
“This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community,” said College President John Avendano, Ph.D. “This grant allows us to expand one of our programs that is in high demand, and students will not only gain valuable skills to serve clients, but also the foundation needed to pursue business ownership.”
This new dedicated space allows the College to provide additional students a dedicated learning environment while keeping costs significantly lower than traditional programs. Students will have access to the latest technology, resources and experiential, hands-on learning to develop the necessary skills and successfully enter the workforce.
FSCJ’s Barbering Career Certificate (C.C.) program is designed to qualify students for employment upon successfully passing the Florida Barber License Examination. Students are paired with instructors who believe in a team approach that is flexible and understanding of individual needs which enable each student to reach their full potential and the achievement of success. Learn more about the program at https://www.fscj.edu/program?pcode=5622.
