With colleges in Orlando, Lakeland and Deland, Florida Technical College is expanding its operations to include one the fastest growing communities of Central Florida – Kissimmee.

Beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, the college will celebrate the grand opening of its new Kissimmee campus, serving the needs of the ever-growing population of Osceola County and offering post-secondary education in specialized fields, associate degrees and diploma programs for today's fastest growing professions.

The college, which was honored in 2009 on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll – the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement – upholds a proud tradition of career training excellence for more than 28 years, college officials stated in a press release. Faculty, staff and students work together toward the common goal of increased career potential and brighter futures.

"With our exciting programs, we seek to meet the present-day needs of students and the current market trends," David T. Ruggieri, president and CEO the college, said. "At the Kissimmee campus in particular, we are reaching an important segment of the Central Florida community and look forward to assisting students in achieving their career goals."

The grand opening event, which will feature seminars and presentations on a variety of topics such as barbering, tropical drinks, baking and pastries and cosmetology, will also include a health screening and a digital animation and visual effects seminar, presented by DAVE School. Guests will have an opportunity to enjoy a personal tour of the facilities and even a chance to win a beauty makeover.

Adding to the amenities of the day, Puerto Rico's salsa legend, Andy Montañez, will be on hand to greet visitors and cook his own favorite dish.

"We invite the Kissimmee community to visit us and see what we have to offer," Ruggieri said. "Current economic times calls for innovation and creative thinking; we have programs that can provide just that and a committed staff dedicated to helping them achieve their dreams."

Situated at the centrally located Osceola Square Mall, 3831 W. Vine St., Florida Technical College Kissimmee will offer programs in healthcare, business, beauty, culinary arts and other high-demand careers such as criminal justice and HVAC/R with PLC.

For more information on career choices at FTC Kissimmee or event information, contact the Career Desk at 407-483-5700 or kdesk@FTCCollege.edu.

Florida Technical College is an educational partner with Instituto De Banca, National College and POPAC. It is part of the EduK group, a family of more than 30 post-secondary institutions in the United States and Puerto Rico.