The Martin County School District is excited to announce its participation in the newly launched Space Florida Academy Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at preparing students for high-demand careers in the aerospace industry. The program, announced today during a Memorandum of Understanding signing at Exploration Park, marks a collaborative effort between Space Florida and 23 school districts across the state.
The Space Florida Academy Program seeks to equip students with the skills and credentials necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving aerospace sector. By focusing on key areas such as Aviation/Aerospace, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Cybersecurity/IT, Logistics, and Semiconductors, the program aims to meet both current and future industry demands. This initiative is a partnership among Space Florida, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Commerce, the REACH Office, and CareerSource Florida.
“Participating in the Space Florida Academy Program represents a significant step forward for our district and our students," said Superintendent Michael Maine. "This initiative not only aligns with our mission to provide students with the skills they need to succeed but also opens doors to exciting, high-demand careers in the aerospace industry. We are proud to be part of a program that will help our students reach new heights and contribute to the future of aerospace innovation in Florida."
Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida, emphasized the program’s role in reshaping perceptions of aerospace careers: "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. 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.”
Martin County is one of several districts participating in this state-wide initiative, alongside districts such as Brevard, Miami-Dade, and Orange, among others. This collaboration will not only benefit our students but also contribute to the growth of Florida’s aerospace sector.
For more information about the Space Florida Academy Program and its potential impact on our students, please visit Space Florida’s workforce initiatives page.