Coral Springs High and Coral Glades High join Space Florida Academy expanding STEM career opportunities and aerospace pathways for local students
Coral Springs, Florida – Students at Coral Springs High School and Coral Glades High School will soon have access to new opportunities designed to prepare them for careers in aerospace, aviation, engineering, and other high-demand STEM fields.
The two schools are among nine Broward County Public Schools campuses selected to participate in the newly launched Space Florida Academy, a partnership between Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and Space Florida aimed at connecting students with future career pathways in Florida’s growing aerospace industry.
The program is designed to provide students with more than traditional classroom learning. Through the academy, participants will receive advanced STEM instruction, hands-on experiences, career exploration opportunities, and connections with colleges, universities, and industry leaders.
Coral Springs High and Coral Glades High were chosen because both schools already have aerospace and engineering programs in place, making them strong locations for expanding opportunities in these fields.
The other schools joining the initiative are Blanche Ely High School, Boyd H. Anderson High School, Charles W. Flanagan High School, Miramar High School, Northeast High School, Piper High School, and Plantation High School.
Officials say the Space Florida Academy is focused on helping students develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in industries that continue to grow throughout Florida. Aerospace and aviation remain important parts of the state’s economy, and the program aims to prepare students for jobs that require strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Students participating in the academy will have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials while still in high school. They will also gain real-world experience that can help them better understand career options before graduation.
The program will also create stronger connections between schools and employers. Graduates of the Space Florida Academy will have access to a job portal featuring companies that offer hiring preferences to academy graduates. The resource is intended to help students move directly into employment opportunities or continue their education with a clearer understanding of available career paths.
BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn said the partnership represents the district’s commitment to providing innovative learning experiences that prepare students for the future.
“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,” BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to providing innovative educational experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world career pathways.”
The launch of the Space Florida Academy is part of BCPS’s broader effort to expand career and technical education programs and provide students with more choices after high school.
For students at Coral Springs High and Coral Glades High, the new academy offers a chance to explore careers involving aircraft, space technology, engineering, and advanced systems while gaining skills that can help them compete in tomorrow’s workforce. As Florida’s aerospace sector continues to expand, school leaders hope programs like this will help prepare the next generation of innovators and industry professionals.
