BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Hernando County Schools celebrated the grand opening of its newest technical college in Brooksville.

The Wilton Simpson Technical College offers various programs in high demand fields, which school officials say was desperately needed in Hernando County.

Radiah Dent is the director of the college, which focuses on post-secondary career and technical programs, and adult education. 

“There’s so much opportunity in career technical education for people to come in and not have to have student loan debt after taking their courses,” said Dent. “Honestly, I’ve had students who make even more money than your typical college graduates.”

The college is part of Hernando County Public Schools, funded through the state.

It’s named after Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, who says the need for this college is evident — as shortly after opening, it’s already at capacity.

“When you think about what’s in this building nursing, cosmetology, welding, law enforcement, all the different trades ... (they provide) a long-term career that they can start on now,” said Simpson. “They can start a business from their education from a school like this, this is what we need more of in our state.” 

When selecting those programs, Dent says they looked specifically at this community’s needs.

“We look at our community trends, we also look at needs and things that are emerging to try and be on the cutting edge of something that it is coming out,” she said.

Career dual enrollment is also an option for high school students.

They can enroll at Wilton Simpson Technical College to earn elective or vocational credits toward high school graduation requirements with no out-of-pocket expense.