Offering College Readiness Opportunities for Elementary, Middle, and High School Students

Early College Programs at Lake-Sumter State College foster a community of college-ready students by providing targeted college and career preparation programs, college-credit opportunities, holistic student development, and a sense of belonging for youth in Lake and Sumter Counties. These programs provide learning opportunities for students as young as 1st grade all the way through 12th grade. Together, we are committed to preparing the youth of our communities to confidently enter higher education and their careers.

Early College Deadlines 2024/2025


Dual Enrollment Programs

Standard Dual Enrollment

A program to earn college credits while in high school. Includes MS/HS dual enrollment, PERT Pilot, SLS Pilot, Home Education, and PEP.

Early Admission

An opportunity for high school students to get an early start into Lake-Sumter State College by enrolling in full-time college courses during their senior year of high school.

Early College Academies

Health Sciences Collegiate Academy

An accelerated academic program offering Lake County students the opportunity to explore careers in STEM and health sciences through hands-on activities and early exposure to college courses.

Criminal Justice Early College Academy

The Criminal Justice Early College Academy was developed as a partnership between LSSC and Mount Dora High School to provide students a structured path towards earning their AA while in high school.

AICE-to-AA Academy

The AICE-to-AA (AAA) Academy is a pre-collegiate program that combines the benefits of the AICE program in high school and the dual enrollment program at LSSC.

The Villages Early College Academy

The Villages Early College Academy was developed as a partnership between LSSC and The Villages High School to provide students a structured path towards earning their AA while in high school.

Engineering Tech Early Career Academy

The Engineering Tech Early Career Academy was developed as a partnership between LSSC and Wildwood High School, South Sumter High School, and/or home-schooled in Sumter County to provide students a structured path towards earning their AA while in high school.

Youth Development and Skill-Building

Kids’ College

Kids’ College is an enriching academic summer experience for children entering 1st – 9th grades to expand their knowledge, learn new skills, and have an opportunity for exploration and discovery.

Xploration Youth Development Courses

A variety of non-credit courses and certificate programs designed to build student’s academic skills, encourage career exploration & discovery, and provide experiences in the STEM fields.

Leaders-in-Training Program

Leaders-In-Training (LIT) Program is designed for high school students entering 10th – 12th grades to earn public service hours while also receiving leadership training and experiences during the summer months.

Educational Opportunity Programs

Talent Search

The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its middle school and high school participants encouraging them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education.

Emerging Lakehawks

An engaging college prep program for juniors and seniors with an interest in attending Lake Sumter State College, including college coaching, career exploration, and college credit opportunities.