Bay County has built a comprehensive education ecosystem that supports talent development from early learning through advanced degrees. The county’s education and training partners collaborate closely with local employers to align programs with real-world workforce needs, especially in STEM, aviation, marine technology, and advanced manufacturing.
FSU Panama City: Regional campus of a Tier 1 national research university
Gulf Coast State College: Home to one of the nation’s most advanced learning facilities
Haney Technical College: Home to a FAA certified Aviation Maintenance Technician School (Part 147), Marine Technologies Program and a robust Welding Program
Bay District Schools: Students outperform state averages on the SAT, Higher percentage of high school graduates than the Florida average, and Integrated K 20 partnerships ensure a seamless talent pipeline
Florida State University Panama City (FSU PC) is the regional campus of a nationally ranked Tier 1 research university. Located on a scenic waterfront along North Bay, FSU PC offers access to more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in high demand fields.
FSU is consistently recognized among the nation’s top public universities, ranked Top 50 by U.S. News & World Report, #14 in Forbes Best Buy Colleges, and #18 in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges. The campus fosters strong connections to local industry and the military, offering internships, research opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences.
The InSPIRE Program (Innovative Solutions Program for Industry, Research, and Education) at FSU Panama City is a transformational initiative that strengthens Bay County’s position as a regional hub for aviation, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing innovation. Through InSPIRE, FSU PC has established a comprehensive Center of Excellence that integrates cutting-edge research, hands-on training, and industry collaboration to meet the workforce and technology needs of high-growth sectors across Northwest Florida.
InSPIRE connects students, faculty, and industry partners through project-based learning and applied research in fields that directly support Bay County’s economic strengths, including aerospace engineering, unmanned systems, advanced materials, cyber engineering, systems design, manufacturing technologies, and emerging aviation platforms.
The program works closely with employers, the military, and economic development partners to develop tailored solutions that enhance productivity, fuel innovation, and prepare students for high-wage careers in the region’s most in-demand fields.
As companies in aviation, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing continue to select Bay County for expansion, the InSPIRE Center of Excellence ensures that the local talent pipeline is not only prepared, but positioned to lead. By fostering collaboration between education and industry, InSPIRE strengthens Bay County’s competitive advantage and supports the long-term success of employers across the Gulf Coast.
Serving Northwest Florida since 1957, Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) delivers workforce-driven programs in engineering, computer science, healthcare, and applied technology. The college’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC) opened in 2013 and is one of the most technologically advanced learning facilities in the United States.
GCSC also houses an Entrepreneurial Development Center, Virtual Incubator, and Entrepreneur’s Institute, supporting innovation and new business creation across the region.
Tom P. Haney Technical College provides more than 18 career and technical programs, including aviation maintenance, marine service technology, welding, HVAC, and nursing. As an FAA certified Aviation Maintenance Technician School (Part 147), Haney graduates are workforce ready in as little as one year, with a 97% licensure pass rate.
Troy University’s Panama City/Tyndall AFB site offers flexible in-person and online programs in business, computer science, and resource management, helping working professionals advance their education while serving the regional economy.
Bay District Schools serves 28,000+ students across 19 elementary schools, six middle schools, and five high schools, plus adult and charter programs. Local students consistently outperform state peers on the SAT with an average total score of 1047 compared to Florida’s 1017.
Many middle and high schools participate in Project Lead the Way (PLTW), offering STEM-focused, hands-on learning that prepares students for high-skill careers.
Bay County offers a diverse range of housing options from beachfront condos and golf-course communities to historic neighborhoods and waterfront estates, all supported by a cost of living index of 95.6, below the state average.
Major developments such as SweetBay with 3,000 planned homes and 700,000 square feet of commercial space are reshaping Panama City’s residential landscape, offering live-work-play opportunities for professionals and families alike. Other premier communities include Breakfast Point, RiverCamps, and numerous master-planned neighborhoods across the county.
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