As Santa Fe College (SF) seeks to uphold its mission of expanding access to higher education, the college has recently launched the seventh cohort of its phlebotomy program, a component of its new ACB Excel initiative. 

According to an SF press release, “ACB Excel (Achieve, Conquer, Believe, Excel) is a multigenerational program that puts unemployed or underemployed parents through a rigorous career-track program, while also providing childcare and meals to their school-aged children” at no expense to families. 

Those who complete the program then receive help in finding a job or continuing their education at SF College. 

This semester’s group consists of 14 parents and 21 children, the release said. The cohort gathers twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at SF College’s Institute for Public Safety.  

Classroom instruction runs from Aug. 26 to Dec. 4. This is followed by clinical training in January 2026. 

“Our students’ dedication and resilience are at the heart of ACB Excel,” said Valerie White, Program Coordinator, in the release. “We are proud to not only provide career training but also to support parents in building brighter futures for their families.” 

Since its founding in 2022, ACB Excel has seen enhanced success through local partnerships like the United Way of North Central Florida’s Reading Pals, Cade Museum, Truist Bank, Alachua County School Board and Blakeland Construction. 

The release notes that this teamwork helps make sure families receive both academic support and employment opportunities. 

SF College plans to expand program offerings for future cohorts to include Building Maintenance, CNA/EKG Technician, Paraprofessional, Medical Billing & Coding and Sterile Processing Technician programs. 

For information about ACB Excel, click here.