Space Florida and OCSD Launch Space Florida Academy Program to Propel Students into High-Demand Aerospace Careers
Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, and the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) recently implemented the Space Florida Academy Program. The announcement was highlighted by a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long and Superintendent Marcus Chambers during the 9th annual Technology Coast Manufacturing & Engineering Network (TeCMEN) Industry Day at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, marking a significant step toward expanding workforce development opportunities for students seeking careers in the rapidly-growing global aerospace sector.
The Space Florida Academy Program helps students earn high-demand credentials and develop skills needed for aerospace jobs. These industry-recognized credentials open immediate career opportunities and give students a competitive edge as they enter the workforce, including pathways not traditionally linked to aerospace.
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 program focuses on reframing aerospace job pathways by emphasizing the following high-demand sectors:
- 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 of Space Florida. “By bringing industry together with education, the program helps highlight these opportunities and identifies what is truly needed now, and in the future, to meet workforce demands.”
“This partnership represents an incredible opportunity for our students to access high-demand, high-wage career pathways while still in high school,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “By aligning our programs with industry needs, we are not only preparing students for success after graduation, but also strengthening the future workforce right here in Okaloosa County.”
For more information about the Space Florida Academy Program, please visit www.spaceflorida.gov/workforce-initiatives.
OPSF Launches Free CTE Student Summer Camps
If you are a rising 6th through 9th-grade Okaloosa County student, you can register for free, hands-on summer programs that introduce high-demand career pathways while developing essential skills in creativity, leadership, teamwork, and technical proficiency.
Camp offerings include:
AI Masterminds: Innovate with Intelligence at Fort Walton Beach High School
NextGen Engineers: Build the Future at Niceville High School
Builder Academy: Building Tomorrow at Meigs Middle School
Justice Leaders: Lead with Integrity at Baker School
Web Explorers: Explore. Design. Launch. at Shoal River Middle School
Creative Coders: Design the Web at Davidson Middle School
EMR: Start Your Rescue Skills at Crestview High School
EMR: Jump into Action at Crestview High School
“These Career and Technical Education summer camps provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, construction, public safety, web design, and emergency medical response,’ said Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
All camps are free for students and occur from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Transportation will not be provided. Space is limited, and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register early due to limited availability. Click on each camp name to access the registration form or visit the CTE website. Note that registration deadlines apply.
For additional information, contact Morena Mannucci with the Okaloosa County School District Career and Technical Education Department at Morena.Mannucci@Okaloosaschools.com.
Math Nation Winner
Ruckel Middle School eighth grader Dean Penberthy is a statewide winner in the Math Nation Show What You Know Showdown, a Florida competition designed to encourage students in grades 6–8, Geometry, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2 to strengthen their math skills through practice and perseverance. He scored a perfect 10/10 on a Unit 14 assessment, winning an ice cream party for his class.
Academic Title
The Okaloosa County School District Academic Team won the 2026 Commissioner’s Academic Challenge Division II state championship against top teams from across Florida. Team members included Captain Colt Stevens of Rocky Bayou Christian School, Cole Rewis and Jeda Srichareon of Fort Walton Beach High School, Landon Weinberg of Niceville High School, Caden Veach of Destin High School, Asher Newcomer of Choctawhatchee High School, Hailey Nutt of Rocky Bayou Christian School and Rosemary Pace, who is homeschooled. Coaches included Lisa Nall, Dr. Michael Mosley and Julie Mosley. Established in 1986, the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge is a statewide competition that showcases student achievement across a wide range of disciplines, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, world languages, physical education, health, and technology. Each year, Florida’s top academic teams compete in this rigorous event, making OCSD’s first-place finish a remarkable accomplishment.
Project SEARCH Grads
Okaloosa County School District celebrated Project SEARCH graduates Hailey Eubank of Niceville High School, Antonio Latimer of Fort Walton Beach High School, Isaiah Parish of Choctawhatchee High School, Jessica Parker of Crestview High School and David Wahl of Baker School during a May 20 ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn on Okaloosa Island. The program provides workplace and career training for young adults with disabilities through a partnership with Innisfree Hotels.
Okaloosa UP Graduates
Okaloosa Technical College celebrated Okaloosa UP graduates Raj Mulwani, Kaitlyn McCarthy and Nerea “Rea” Agnew. The postsecondary program helps adults with intellectual disabilities develop career, workplace and life skills through hands-on training and real-world experiences. “These graduates represent perseverance, determination, and the incredible impact of opportunity and support,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
TSIC Honors
The Okaloosa County School District honored 12 incoming freshmen and 19 graduating seniors during the annual Take Stock in Children S.T.A.R.S. Ceremony. Lori Lipnicky introduced the students and celebrated their achievements alongside mentors and families. A highlight of the evening included Crestview High School teacher Shalytha Payne-Blevins presenting the Outstanding Senior Award to mentee Aiden Sexton. Ruckel Middle School counselor Kathleen Ball also shared words of encouragement with students.
