MEDIA RELEASE
Below is a media release and photo published by Space Florida following today's 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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The superintendent attended today's ceremony along with a delegation of Hernando leaders. “The impact of today’s announcement is significant,” said Superintendent Pinder. “In partnering with leading space industries, students in Hernando Schools will not only experience applications and skills relevant to the space industry, but they will be prepared for high paying careers that will position them - and our community - for a brighter economic future.”
The idea of creating Space Academy Programs was nurtured for several years by leaders from Space Florida and school and county leaders from regions around the state, including Hernando. One of the earliest enthusiasts for the Space Academy Program was former HCSD Superintendent John Stratton who was given a special recognition at the signing, along with the Hernando School District.
Joining Superintendent Pinder for today's signing were former Superintendent John Stratton, school board members, Gus Guadagnino (who signed the MOU), Mark Johnson, Shannon Rodriguez and Kayce Hawkins (school board member-elect). Hernando County officials included Brian Hawkins (BOCC) and County Administrator Jeff Rogers.
Representatives from the school district included:
Barbara Kidder, Assistant Superintendent of Support Operations
Sophia Watson, Director of the Wilton Simpson Technical College (WTC)
Dr. Radhia Dent, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education (WTC)
Beth Lastra, Supervisor of College and Career
Kara Trowell, Program Manager for CTE
Nicole Blair, Program Assistant for CTE
Also featured in the photo are Space Florida CEO Rob Long and Vice President Mike Miller.
What an amazing week for the Hernando School District and our community!