BCPS launches Space Florida Academy at nine high schools to prepare students for aerospace and STEM careers of the future

Broward County, Florida – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is opening a new pathway for students interested in the future of aerospace, aviation and technology careers through the launch of the Space Florida Academy. The new initiative, created in partnership with Space Florida, is designed to prepare high school students for growing career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The program is being introduced at nine BCPS high schools that already have established aerospace and engineering programs. The participating schools include Blanche Ely High School, Boyd H. Anderson High School, Coral Glades High School, Coral Springs High School, Charles W. Flanagan High School, Miramar High School, Northeast High School, Piper High School and Plantation High School.

Through the Space Florida Academy, students will have access to advanced coursework, hands-on learning opportunities and career experiences connected directly to Florida’s expanding aerospace and aviation industries. The program is designed to provide students with the academic knowledge, technical abilities and professional skills needed to succeed in highly competitive fields after graduation.

The initiative will also create stronger connections between students and industry professionals. Participants will have opportunities to explore different career options, work with business leaders and build relationships with higher education institutions and workforce organizations.

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Students who successfully complete the program will gain access to a specialized job portal featuring companies that offer hiring preferences to Space Florida Academy graduates. The goal is to help students move more easily from the classroom into career opportunities while ensuring they have the qualifications employers are seeking.

“Through the Space Florida Academy, Broward County Public Schools is expanding opportunities for students to explore cutting-edge careers while developing the skills necessary for success in college and today’s competitive workforce,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “This partnership reflects our commitment to providing innovative educational experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world career pathways.”

The launch comes as Florida continues to strengthen its position as a major center for aerospace innovation, aviation and space exploration. With a growing demand for skilled workers in these industries, educators say programs like the Space Florida Academy can help prepare students for careers that will shape the state’s future economy.

The academy connects classroom instruction with real-world industry expectations, allowing students to earn valuable credentials while gaining practical experience. Through projects, career exploration and professional partnerships, students can better understand how STEM education translates into actual careers.

The program also supports collaboration between BCPS, Space Florida, colleges and universities, workforce development groups and private industry partners. By working together, these organizations aim to ensure students graduate with the skills and experiences needed for jobs in fields where demand continues to increase.

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Officials say the initiative represents another step in BCPS’s broader effort to expand career and technical education opportunities while strengthening STEM learning across the district. By introducing students to aerospace and engineering careers at an earlier stage, the district hopes to encourage more young people to pursue pathways that lead to innovation and economic growth.

The Space Florida Academy reflects a growing emphasis on education programs that combine traditional classroom learning with practical career preparation. Instead of waiting until after graduation for students to discover career options, the initiative gives them opportunities to explore industries, develop technical skills and connect with potential employers while still in high school.

As the program begins at the nine participating schools, BCPS and Space Florida aim to create a pipeline of talented students ready to contribute to Florida’s aerospace and aviation sectors. The initiative highlights the importance of preparing students not only for college, but also for the changing workforce and the technology-driven careers of the future.