A new study from the labor market intelligence firm Lightcast finds that Daytona State College accounts for almost a billion dollars in economic impact between Volusia and Flagler counties. This means the school accounts for some 3.4% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the two counties in the fiscal year 2023-24.
In particular, the Lightcast study found that DSC was responsible for $943 million in annual economic impact, and is a driving force behind 13,612 jobs between the two counties. The data that went into these conclusions included the operations and construction that DSC conducts, as well as the effects of alumni entering the local workforce.
“Daytona State continues to be a powerful engine for economic growth in our region and across the state – and we are positioned to fuel continued growth for generations to come,” said Daytona State President Dr. Tom LoBasso. “Collaborating with our community and business partners ensures our graduates have the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
In a statement reacting to the study, DSC pointed to its over 100 certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs as the lynchpin of the school’s impact. By far the largest component of the $943 million economic impact was the student and alumni presence in the workforce. $795 million in added income was created as a result of these workers with 11,265 jobs regionally supported, the school said.
Contributing another $27.5 million was the spending of students in the local economy. Furthermore, $9.2 million was added to the local economy by Daytona State’s construction spending. The school’s operational activities were the second-largest overall contributor with $111.1 million in regional impact.
“Behind these numbers are real opportunities for our students,” LoBasso continued. “Every program we offer is designed to meet local workforce needs and to lead to meaningful careers, and this report shows the value of that commitment. When our students succeed, the entire region succeeds with them.”
The construction projects which helped sustain an estimated 128 local jobs include DSC’s first ever student residence hall, as well as a renovated and combined healthcare and quanta-honors College facility at the flagship campus in Daytona Beach. The school’s Deltona satellite campus opened up a new classroom and lab for their nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, and CNC machining programs as well as converting some of their existing infrastructure into a welding program.
The DeLand satellite campus underwent changes as well, opening an all-weather firearms training center, tactical pavilion and driving pad. This expansion is the first step toward a new Law Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services Training Center.
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
