Charlotte County Public Schools Receives Space Florida District Designation
November 1st, 2024
SPACE FLORIDA, 23 SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ADOPT SPACE FLORIDA ACADEMY PROGRAM TO PROPEL STUDENTS INTO HIGH-DEMAND AEROSPACE CAREERS
Below is a media release and photo published by Space Florida following the ceremony:
EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.—August 1, 2024—Today at a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, announced partnerships with 23 school districts across Florida to begin implementation of the Space Florida Academy Program within those districts. The program aims to connect students with high-demand credentials and skills necessary to work in the aerospace industry; credentials that may not have been traditionally associated with the aerospace 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.”
“The Space Florida Academy Program represents a pivotal step in ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in the aerospace industry,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Space Florida Board Chair. “By collaborating with industry leaders and educational institutions, we are creating a pathway for Florida’s students to pursue high-demand careers and secure our state’s position as a global leader in aerospace innovation.”
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. View a current list of aerospace industry demand credentials and skills HERE.
The following counties participated in the MoU signing ceremony: Baker, Brevard, Charlotte, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Hamilton, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Martin, Marion, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Osceola, Orange, Palm Beach, PK Yonge, Putnam, St. Lucie, Santa Rosa, and Suwannee.
For more information about the Space Florida Academy Program, please visit www.spaceflorida.gov/workforce-initiatives.
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Below is a media release and photo published by CCPS following the ceremony:
Superintendent Vianello, School Board Chair Cara Reynolds, and board members Bob Segur and John Leclair were joined by key stakeholders at yesterday’s ceremony.
“The partnership between Charlotte County Public Schools and Space Florida represents a significant milestone in our commitment to preparing students for the future,” said Superintendent Mark Vianello. “By integrating the Space Florida Academy Program into our curriculum, we are providing our students with the opportunity to gain high-demand credentials and skills that will open doors to exciting careers in the aerospace industry and beyond. This collaboration highlights our dedication to innovation and excellence in education, ensuring that our students are well-equipped to meet the workforce demands of tomorrow.”
“Being a part of Space Florida exemplifies the commitment of the CCPS school board to providing enhanced opportunities for our students through a forward-thinking vision. By partnering with key stakeholders across the county, including the county commission, airport authority, and economic development, we are paving the way for our students to excel in high-demand, high-paying careers, states Cara Reynolds, Chairman of the Charlotte County School Board.“This collaboration is one of the ways we are preparing our students for the future.”
“We are beyond the moon at the Economic Development Partnership with the progress Charlotte County Schools and Space Florida have made in prioritizing aerospace education, as evidenced by this event. I look forward to expanding our partnership with the school district into other fields in the years to come, “ remarks Derek Rooney, President of the Charlotte County Economic Development Partnership.
Representatives included: Mark Vianello, Superintendent of Schools; Cara Reynolds, Chair of the School Board; John Leclair, Vice Chair of the School Board; Bob Segur, School Board Member; Dr. Brian Granstra, Director of Career and Technical Education; Derek Rooney, President of the Charlotte County Economic Development Partnership; Emily Lewis, Deputy County Administrator; Lucienne Pears, Economic Development Partnership; Cynthia Gulsby, Director of Charlotte Technical Center; Amanda Fox, Aviation Maintenance Specialist.
Also featured in the photo are Space Florida CEO Rob Long and Vice President Mike Miller.
For a comprehensive list of courses offered in Charlotte County ,click here.
