First Coast Technical College Hastings Campus Update
The Hastings Mainstreet Association’s May meeting focused on First Coast Technical College’s new Hastings Campus. Dr. Brennan Asplen discussed the renovation of Hastings High School, funded by a $7.6 million ARPA grant and $10 million from the school district, totaling $17 million. The project, expected to be completed by December 2026, includes structural repairs, new windows, and a 1924 roof replacement. The first phase focuses on the building’s exterior and a complete renovation of the first-floor interior.
Mr. George Mastordis, Director of First Coast Technical College (FCTC), provided an update on the various programs scheduled to be offered on the campus. FCTC will offer programs like early childhood education and development, adult education and testing, medical assisting, cosmetology, and ESL programs. In addition, there will be community space and an early childhood daycare facility for the area. Mr. Mastordis said, “We know some of our students struggle to find childcare so they can attend classes. Having childcare on site will allow those students to succeed and advance their education.”
Plans on the campus include an additional 20,000 sq. ft. workforce education building funded by a $9.4 million EDA grant and $1.8 million from the district. This project will provide a state-of-the-art training facility with classrooms and hands-on lab space to meet the growing demand for workforce training across the region. Initially, FCTC will offer Diesel Systems with an agricultural focus and a technical program focused on Solar and Alternative Energy. There is also plenty of land for future expansion. The workforce training facility is scheduled to be completed in March 2028.
