Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority and Seminole County Public Schools recently announced plans to begin implementation of the Space Florida Academy Program. The program aims to connect students with high-demand credentials and skills necessary for working in the aerospace industry, including those that may not have been traditionally associated with the industry.
In collaboration with industry leaders, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Commerce, the REACH Office (Reimagining Education and Career Help), and CareerSource Florida, the Space Florida Academy Program will focus on reframing aerospace job characterization by focusing on the following target areas to meet current and future industry demand:
● Aviation/Aerospace
● Advanced Manufacturing
● Construction
● Cybersecurity/IT
● Logistics
● Semiconductors
“The Space Florida Academy Program offers a new trajectory for students to explore careers in aerospace by breaking down legacy perceptions of what an aerospace career requires,” said Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida. “By bringing industry together with education, the program helps highlight these opportunities and ascertains what is truly needed now, and in the future, to meet workforce demands.”
SCPS is aligning high school education with the state’s economic priorities in Aerospace/Aviation, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Cybersecurity/IT, Semiconductors, and Logistics. All nine SCPS high schools are designated as Space Florida Academy Programs. With more than 360 of the 550 industry certifications on Florida’s Master Credentials List identified by Space Florida, SCPS high school programs are equipping students with in-demand skills and clear pathways to post-secondary education and high-wage careers.
“This partnership is another example of how our public school district leads with innovation, connecting classroom learning to the real-world demands of tomorrow’s economy. As the leading district for STEM education in Florida, Seminole County Public Schools is proud to expand opportunities for our students to earn high-demand credentials and gain hands-on experience in aerospace and related industries. The Space Florida Academy Program empowers our students to explore their passions, develop essential skills, and graduate ready to thrive in high-wage, high-growth careers,” said Serita D. Beamon, Superintendent, Seminole County Public Schools.
Nearly every high school in Florida offers some level of credential and certificate programs identified as desirable by the aerospace industry. Rebranding these courses as part of the Space Florida Academy Program further highlights a pathway to potential well-paid employment with a high school diploma.
For more information about the Space Florida Academy Program, please visit www.spaceflorida.gov/workforce-initiatives
