Santa Fe College Launches Seventh Cohort of Phlebotomy Program to Enhance Career Opportunities for Parents
October 9, 2025
In a significant stride towards improving access to higher education, Santa Fe College has inaugurated its seventh cohort of a Phlebotomy Program, a key component of the college’s innovative ACB Excel initiative. This program aims to empower unemployed or underemployed parents by offering them a pathway to stable careers while providing essential support services for their children.
ACB Excel, which stands for Achieve, Conquer, Believe, Excel, is designed as a multigenerational program catering to families who face financial and educational barriers. Notably, participants receive comprehensive training that includes not only job preparation but also crucial support in the form of childcare and meals for their school-aged children—all at no cost to the families involved. This holistic approach enables parents to focus on their education without the added stress of childcare logistics.
The current cohort consists of 14 parents and 21 children, who convene at Santa Fe College’s Institute for Public Safety every Tuesday and Thursday evening. The first phase of the Phlebotomy Program encompasses classroom instruction from August 26 to December 4, followed by clinical training scheduled for January. This timeline is designed to equip students with the necessary expertise and hands-on experience required to thrive in the healthcare sector.
Among the participants is Lasanya, a dedicated mother who relocated to the Gainesville area last year. Despite missing the previous application deadline, she persevered and was among the first candidates accepted into this latest cohort. Lasanya is not only focused on completing her Phlebotomy training but is also planning her future career trajectory, aspiring to become a Medical Assistant and subsequently a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Another participant, Leah, who is also a mother of two, has found a renewed sense of purpose through the program. After recently finishing a Medical Assistant certificate, she is now training in phlebotomy with aspirations to gain practical experience before advancing her education to become a Registered Nurse.
“Our students’ dedication and resilience embody the spirit of ACB Excel,” stated Valerie White, the Program Coordinator. She emphasized the program’s dual focus on equipping participants with marketable skills and supporting parents in fostering brighter futures for their families.
Since its inception in 2022, ACB Excel has flourished through local partnerships with organizations such as United Way of North Central Florida’s Reading Pals, Cade Museum, Truist Bank, Alachua County School Board, and Blakeland Construction. These collaborations are instrumental in ensuring that families not only receive academic training but also have access to vital employment opportunities.
Looking ahead, Santa Fe College plans to expand its program offerings for future cohorts to include diverse fields such as Building Maintenance, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician, Paraprofessional support, Medical Billing & Coding, and Sterile Processing Technician programs. This expansion aims to continually meet the evolving needs of the community, reinforcing the college’s commitment to fostering educational and professional growth in North Central Florida.
