MacDonald Training Center
MacDonald Training Center is a Tampa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded 1953, that delivers vocational training, employment, residential, and post-secondary education services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum disorder, and those who are deaf and hard of hearing across the Tampa Bay region.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1953
- HeadquartersTampa, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What MacDonald Training Center does
MacDonald Training Center (MTC) is a Tampa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1953 by J. Clifford MacDonald as one of the nation's first preschools for children with disabilities. It has evolved into a comprehensive multi-program disability services organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum disorder, and those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Service lines include Day Services/Adult Day Training under the EPIC Curriculum, the eMerge Career Collaborative (an FDOE-licensed post-secondary school with VR-approved vocational tracks in technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality), Employment Services with employer placement partners, Residential Services anchored by Baytown Apartments, Youth Experiences including ASL-accessible summer camps, and a Fine Arts Studios program with the Joy McCann Culverhouse Gallery. The organization is CARF-accredited and HIPAA-compliant.
The underlying technology stack is operational rather than AI-native. The flagship Business Enterprises operation uses RFID TransCore verification technology to inspect every SunPass transponder before packaging, delivering 100% accuracy on the Series 11 Mini Transponder. The eMerge school delivers industry-recognized certifications (e.g., Certified Logistics Associate, Microsoft Office Specialist). Core technology is process-and-training-centric, with the SunPass packaging line as the most technically distinctive capability.
MTC's revenue model is a hybrid of government fee-for-service contracts (Florida Vocational Rehabilitation, Agency for Persons with Disabilities Medicaid Waiver, General Revenue, Consumer Directed Care), enterprise contracts (the exclusive SunPass packaging agreement with Florida Turnpike Enterprise since 2007, plus 3PL clients such as Nestle Vitality Professional), donations and planned giving, Fine Arts sales (55% to artists, 45% to program), and emerging tuition-like revenue through eMerge Career Education. Services are delivered in person at the Tampa Cypress campus and Sabal Park/Brandon campus, with referrals from VR counselors, APD case managers, and community partners across Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, and Pinellas counties. Marketing is community-led: EPIC tours, employer recognition dinners, social media, and a referral network rather than performance marketing.
MacDonald Training Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MacDonald Training Center
- Legal name
- MacDonald Training Center, Inc.
- Website
- https://macdonaldcenter.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1953
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- MacDonald Training Center is a Tampa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded 1953, that delivers vocational training, employment, residential, and post-secondary education services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum disorder, and those who are deaf and hard of hearing across the Tampa Bay region.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MacDonald Training Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability and Vocational Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (61171), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF), Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention (EDAKAKAI)
Keywords
Where MacDonald Training Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tampa
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
MacDonald Training Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Government-Funded Service Contracts: MTC operates as a qualified direct service provider with Florida Vocational Rehabilitation and receives funding through Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Medicaid Waiver programs, General Revenue, and Vocational Rehabilitation allocations for services to individuals with disabilities.
- Business Enterprise / Light Manufacturing: MTC provides fulfillment, packaging, and distribution services (3PL) to business clients including Florida Turnpike Enterprise for SunPass transponders, generating revenue through service contracts while employing adults with disabilities.
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization accepts donations through its website, planned giving programs, and various fundraising events including annual galas and peer-to-peer fundraisers to support the Robert Chase Memorial Fund scholarship assistance.
- Fine Arts Sales: MTC Fine Arts Studios sell artwork created by artists with disabilities. 55% of art sale proceeds go directly to individual artists, with 45% reinvested into the program.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Government-funded services for eligible individuals |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
MacDonald Training Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MacDonald Training Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing person-centered programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and those who are deaf and hard of hearing, including adult day training, post-secondary vocational education (eMerge Career Collaborative licensed by FDOE), supported employment services, residential services, youth experiences, and mission-based light manufacturing/3PL enterprises such as exclusive SunPass transponder packaging for Florida Turnpike Enterprise.
Product overview
MacDonald Training Center (MTC) is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1953 providing comprehensive disability services in Tampa, Florida. The organization operates as a multi-service platform offering Day Services/Adult Day Training, eMerge Career Collaborative (post-secondary vocational education), Employment Services, Residential Services (including Baytown Apartments), Youth Experiences, and Business Enterprises/eQuality Logistics (manufacturing and fulfillment). Key programs include the EPIC Curriculum for day services, HEAR Program for Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals, EXCEL computer education, and Innovation Services for paid internships. MTC also operates an MTC Store for Fine Arts products and greeting cards. The organization serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum disorder, and those who are deaf and hard of hearing through customized person-centered programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- eMerge Career Collaborative: Innovative post-secondary education program providing vocational training in technology, manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality sectors with industry-recognized certifications. Licensed by the Florida Department of Education.
- SunPass Packaging Operations
- eQuality Logistics
- Joy McCann Culverhouse Fine Arts Gallery
- EPIC Tours
- EPIC Curriculum
- Baytown Apartments
- Business Enterprises
Products and services
- Day Services / Adult Day Training (ADT) Person-centered day programming supporting education, life skills enrichment, and pre-employment training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Includes EPIC Curriculum with 3E Training Room, Computer Lab, Fine Arts Studios, sensory rooms, and community engagement activities.
- eMerge Career Collaborative / eMerge Career Education FDOE-licensed post-secondary school providing industry-certified vocational training in four high-growth sectors (technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality), with tracks leading to credentials such as Certified Logistics Associate and Microsoft Office Specialist. Approved by Vocational Rehabilitation as miscellaneous training programs.
- Employment Services Comprehensive employment services connecting job seekers with disabilities to businesses, including Discovery, Supported Employment, On-the-Job Training, Pre-Employment Training, tri- and bilingual job coaches, and ASL specialists. Partners with employers including Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa General Hospital, Bay Care, City of Tampa, and Project SEARCH at ZooTampa.
- Residential Services Supported Living model providing coaching, personal supports, and companion services for independent living. Includes services at Baytown Apartments, an affordable inclusive housing community for adults with IDD in Hillsborough County. Service intensity ranges from a few hours per month to 24/7 support.
- Youth Experiences Summer programs and youth camp experiences for students with disabilities ages 14-21, including Workplace Readiness Career Camp and AI Camp (with ASL editions for Deaf/Hard of Hearing), referred by VR Counselors and free for participants.
- eQuality Logistics / Business Enterprises High-quality light manufacturing and fulfillment (3PL) services including contracts with Florida Turnpike Enterprise (SunPass packaging), Nestle Vitality Professional, and others. Includes fulfillment, storage, distribution, shrink-wrap capabilities, and modern inventory management.
- SunPass Transponder Packaging Exclusive packaging services for Florida SunPass Transponders under contract with Florida Turnpike Enterprise since 2007, with over 20 million transponders successfully packaged. Operations include RFID TransCore technology for automated serial-number verification, developing workforce skills in timeliness, data management, dependability, and attention to detail.
- MTC Store (Fine Arts Greeting Cards and Repurposed Beads) Online store offering greeting cards created by MTC Fine Artists and repurposed parade beads sorted and packaged by volunteers. Proceeds from artwork sales split with 55% to artists and 45% to program; bead sales keep reclaimed materials out of Tampa Bay.
Companies that use MacDonald Training Center
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
MacDonald Training Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature1 record
MacDonald Training Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and key.
- Moffitt Cancer CentercoreInnovative collaboration providing Environmental Services (ES) Technician certification with on-site training. Moffitt has waived the typical six-month work experience requirement for MTC graduates. A simulated patient room was constructed and donated by Moffitt for training purposes. The partnership was named Employer of the Year and recognized at North America Disability Matters event.
- Florida Turnpike EnterprisecoreMTC has served as the exclusive packager of SunPass transponders for the State of Florida since 2007, successfully packaging over 20 million transponders. This partnership has enabled individuals with disabilities to develop vital skills including timeliness, data management, dependability, and attention to detail, with many transitioning to community-based employment.
- Raymond JameskeyEarly champion of MTC's Post-Secondary Educational Program (eMerge Career Education). Created paid internships and meaningful employment pathways for individuals with disabilities. Honored at MTC's 2026 Community Recognition Dinner.
- The Florida AquariumkeyPassionate advocate for environmental stewardship and human potential. Partner through Bead-Free Bay initiative and on-site workforce training. Turning community action into real-world employment opportunity for people with disabilities.
- ZooTampakeyProject SEARCH partnership providing nationally recognized program combining classroom learning, career exploration, and on-the-job experience at the zoo, leading to certification and meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities.
- Moffitt Cancer CenterkeySponsoring MTC's Fine Arts Retrospective & Reception event (Cocktails, Conversation and Art) on June 30, 2026 at Joy McCann Culverhouse Fine Arts Gallery. Also a Moments & Memories Partner at the 2026 Community Recognition Dinner.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MacDonald Training Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit operating vocational training, employment placement, and mission-based business enterprises (retail, 3PL) for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Directly comparable to MTC's eMerge Career Education, Employment Services, and eQuality Logistics model at much larger national scale.
- Easterseals: National disability services nonprofit providing vocational rehabilitation, employment services, and community-based programs. Comparable to MTC's full-service disability platform with stronger national brand and broader demographic coverage including autism services.
- The Arc: National organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through chapters offering employment, residential, day services, and advocacy. MTC's IDD-focused programs (Adult Day Training, Baytown Apartments, Employment Services) overlap directly with The Arc's chapter-level service model.
- United Cerebral Palsy (UCP): National nonprofit providing services to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities including employment, housing, and assistive technology. Comparable to MTC's disability services portfolio with broader cross-disability reach and national advocacy footprint.
Direct peers
- Melwood: Regional nonprofit providing employment, vocational training, and mission-based business services (landscaping, document shredding, 3PL) for people with disabilities. Closest direct comparable to MTC's model combining government-funded services with revenue-generating business enterprises to subsidize mission.
- RESPECT of Florida: Florida statewide association of community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) providing employment and training services to people with disabilities. MTC has been recognized by RESPECT (Employment Center of the Year 2025) and is a member provider, making this a direct peer and trade body relationship.
- EmployAbility (formerly Helping Hands): Florida-based disability employment and vocational services nonprofit serving Central Florida. Directly comparable regional peer providing employment placement, job coaching, and vocational training with overlapping Florida VR and APD funding streams.
- Viability Inc: Regional nonprofit providing employment services, day programs, residential supports, and behavioral health services for people with disabilities. Closely comparable multi-service regional disability provider model with similar VR/Medicaid funding dependence.
Others
- Project SEARCH: Internationally recognized program model providing immersive workplace training for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. MTC operates Project SEARCH sites at ZooTampa, making it both an implementing affiliate and peer provider of competitive employment pathways.
Emerging players
- Lighthouse for the Blind: Nonprofit operating mission-based manufacturing and employment services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Comparable to MTC's eQuality Logistics model using mission-driven workforce to deliver commercial 3PL/manufacturing contracts (SunPass, transponder packaging analog).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MacDonald Training Center social profiles
Digital presenceMacDonald Training Center compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
MacDonald Training Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MacDonald Training Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
MacDonald Training Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MacDonald Training Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MacDonald Training Center
What does MacDonald Training Center do?
MacDonald Training Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing person-centered programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and those who are deaf and hard of hearing, including adult day training, post-secondary vocational education (eMerge Career Collaborative licensed by FDOE), supported employment services, residential services, youth experiences, and mission-based light manufacturing/3PL enterprises such as exclusive SunPass transponder packaging for Florida Turnpike Enterprise.
Is MacDonald Training Center a public or private company?
MacDonald Training Center is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was MacDonald Training Center founded?
MacDonald Training Center was founded in 1953. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is MacDonald Training Center based?
MacDonald Training Center is headquartered in Tampa, United States, in the North America region.
How does MacDonald Training Center make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government-Funded Service Contracts are the primary driver. The others are business Enterprise / Light Manufacturing, donations and Charitable Contributions and fine Arts Sales.
Who are MacDonald Training Center's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Goodwill Industries International, Easterseals, The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). Direct peers are Melwood, RESPECT of Florida, EmployAbility (formerly Helping Hands) and Viability Inc. Project SEARCH is listed as an others. Lighthouse for the Blind is listed as an emerging player.
Does MacDonald Training Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for MacDonald Training Center.
What industry is MacDonald Training Center in?
MacDonald Training Center's product category is Disability and Vocational Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGADAH, Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits, with a secondary code of EDAKANAF, Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction). Its NAICS code is 61171 and its SIC code is 8200.