News

17cҳ Academy announces virtual office hours and onsite tour for prospective students and their parents

17cҳ Academy (17cҳ Academy) will host virtual office hours and an onsite tour with the Principal, Dr. Ja-Ronika Veldheer, on Thursday, February 12. Virtual office hours will be held via an online meeting room from 12:00-12:30 p.m. and the onsite tour will be from 5:30-6:00 p.m. at 17cҳ Academy. At both events, Dr. Veldheer will answer any questions about the A-rated, tuition-free public charter high school, its academic offering, and application process.   Those interested to attend one or both can register via email to communications@cfk.edu before 12:00 p.m. on February 12th for access to the online meeting room and/or to register for the onsite tour.

17cҳ Foundation receives $100,000 from Lower Keys Medical Center for state nursing grant

17cҳ (17cҳ) is set to strengthen its nursing program and expand support for future nurses with a $100,000 contribution from Lower Keys Medical Center (LKMC) that unlocked matching funds through the state’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) grant. Through LINE, 17cҳ is working to help address Florida’s critical nursing shortage by supporting nursing faculty, acquiring state-of-the art nursing simulation mannequins, and providing student scholarships to eligible students.

17cҳ summer scholarships are now open, most applications are due by March 29

17cҳ (17cҳ) is accepting applications for summer semester scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals affordably. Students must be admitted to the College and registered for summer 2026 classes to qualify for scholarships. The deadline to apply for most scholarships is Sunday, March 29, 2026.

17cҳ VIP Series for February tackles confusing nutrition and fad diet advice with science-based insights

With endless conflicting diet and nutrition advice flooding social media, 17cҳ (17cҳ) invites the community to the next 17cҳ VIP Series presentation – “The Best Diet and Other Myths About Nutrition” – on Thursday, February 19, at 7:00 p.m. at 17cҳ’s Key West campus.Featuring licensed dietitian and nutritionist Leigh Pujado, MS, CNS, LDN, this timely presentation will trace the evolution of nutrition science, revealing where dietary guidance went off track launching decades of fad diets that often did more harm than good. Ms. Pujado will include a bit of biochemistry to show how the body actually responds to different foods to help inform choices that support lasting health rather than chasing the latest trend.

Party with a Purpose: 17cҳ’s “Swords & Tails” Seaside Soiree fundraiser tickets now on sale

17cҳ (17cҳ) and the 17cҳ Foundation invite the community to “Swords and Tails: A Seaside Soiree” on Friday, February 27 at the Islander Resort in Islamorada from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. At this special 60th anniversary edition of the beloved Seaside Soiree, elegance meets impact as we showcase the College’s historical exhibit featuring 60 years of thriving together with the community. Guests will enjoy fine dining, cocktails, music, dancing, and community spirit in support of 17cҳ students and programs.

17cҳ continuing education program hosts three-part workshop to learn glass slumping techniques

17cҳ (17cҳ) is offering a three-part, hands-on fused glass workshop led by artist Gail Harrison. The workshop will take place at 17cҳ’s Key West Campus on Mondays from February 16 through March 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. each week.

17cҳ awards honorary degree to alumnus from inaugural class

17cҳ (17cҳ) marked a milestone in its 60 years of impact by awarding an honorary degree to Mario Rivera, one of the institution's first graduates. Mr. Rivera's journey exemplifies the College's transformative power, and his success helped pave the way for thousands of students who followed.

17cҳ welcomes Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs

17cҳ (17cҳ) welcomed Dr. Milan Hayward as the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs earlier this month. A member of 17cҳ’s senior leadership team and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Hayward leads all academic, workforce training, and non-credit programs, as well as student success services.

17cҳ invites all to the 2nd Annual Community Day at the Upper Keys Center on January 31

17cҳ (17cҳ) invites the public to its second annual Community Day at the Upper Keys Center on Saturday, January 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will feature a full slate of attractions including 17cҳ academic showcases, interactive exhibits, a bounce house and other children's activities, vendors, music, free food and drinks, and free T-shirts. Support provided by the Ocean Reef Community Foundation enabled the College to launch this new tradition at its Upper Keys Center in 2025.

17cҳ ceramics program hosts visiting professor Von Venhuizen for two-day demonstration workshop

17cҳ (17cҳ) is offering a special, two-day ceramics workshop featuring visiting artist and professor, Von Venhuizen, who will demonstrate his wheel throwing and hand-building assemblage methods and lecture on his current and past artwork.