The Space Florida Academy Program offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) options in participating high schools throughout Florida to earn the in-demand credentials and skills necessary to work in the aerospace industry.

In collaboration with aerospace industry leaders, the National Space Council, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Commerce as well as the Governor’s REACH Office (Reimaging Education and Career Help), the following fields have been identified as target areas to enhance the awareness and availability of education programs to meet current and future industry demand:

• Aviation/Aerospace

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Construction

• Cybersecurity/IT

• Logistics

• Semiconductors

The program offers a new trajectory for students to explore a lucrative career in aerospace by breaking down legacy perceptions of what an aerospace career requires. Many of the skills identified in the categories listed are at a level not requiring advanced courses in math or science, often perceived as a barrier to entry to work in aerospace. By bringing industry together with education, the program helps shine a light on these opportunities as well as ascertain what is truly needed now and, in the future, to meet workforce demands.

• Applied Cybersecurity (RIVEROAK Technical College Dual Enrollment)

• Applied Engineering Technology (RIVEROAK Technical College & Suwannee Middle School Secondary Program)

• Automotive Collision Technology Technician (RIVEROAK Technical College Dual Enrollment)

• Master Automotive Service Technology 1 (RIVEROAK Technical College Dual Enrollment)

• Master Automotive Service Technology 2 (RIVEROAK Technical College Dual Enrollment)

• Electricity (RIVEROAK Technical College Dual Enrollment)

• Welding Technology (RIVEROAK Technical College Dual Enrollment)

• Welding Technology Advanced (RIVEROAK Technical College Dual Enrollment)

• Welding Technology Fundamentals (Branford High School Secondary Program)

Suwannee County School District Space Florida Academy Program Flyer

(Click on the image to download PDF.)

Is the Space Florida Space Academy Program limited to SCSD secondary programs?

Yes. The program is limited to Suwannee County School District secondary students who are enrolled in the programs listed above.

What will students receive upon completion of a Space Florida Academy Program?

Beginning in May 2025, graduates who are enrolled in one of the Space Academy Programs will be considered graduates of the Space Florida Academy Program submitted to Space Florida. Students will also receive a special honor cord designating their participation in this program.

Why did the SCSD decide to implement the Space Florida Academy Program?

The Space Florida Academy Program is an effort to celebrate the excellent work which is currently underway in Florida school districts, including Suwannee County Schools. Credentials and certificate programs identified as desirable by the aerospace industry (360 out of the 550 on the State’s Master Credential List) are being offered in nearly every high school in Florida at some level. In Suwannee County, there are currently nine of these programs and courses offered to high school and middle students. Highlighting these currently offered classes by renaming them as part of the “Space Florida Academy Program” fulfills the statutory requirement for every student to complete a CTE as a graduation requirement while also providing them a pathway to a potential lucrative employment with their high school diploma.

A concerted effort was made in 2019 by Gov DeSantis to focus on career and technical education in Florida’s K-20 school system. Subsequent legislative actions supported the Governor’s efforts and resulted in the creation of the REACH office. Housed in the Executive Office of the Governor,

This collaborative effort between the Department of Education and the Department of Commerce has provided needed clarity on what CTE programs are offered and what benefits they provide to Florida’s current and future industrial base. A “Master Credentials List” developed by the REACH office gave Space Florida the opportunity to begin a series of discussions with industry leaders to identify which “approved” credential and certificate programs would be most desirable to aerospace employers.

How does the Space Florida Academy Program benefit employers?

Because the Suwannee County School District is designated as a Space Florida School District, this designation indicates to aerospace employers, along with the related industries, which high schools are committed to generating qualified talent through their eligible CTE offerings.

How will employers know where to look for talent?

Space Florida will provide on their website which school districts have received the Space Florida School District designation. As indicated on the Space Florida Talent Heat Map on the website, an employer will identify the following:

• District/county participation in Space Florida Academy Program

• Specific high schools participating within each district

• Career and technical education (CTE) courses offered in each district/high school

• Total credentials earned by each district