NASA Visits Schools Strengthening Florida’s Skilled Workforce

NASA announced on Tuesday that it has awarded a total of $10.5 million to seven organizations across the United States as part of its new State Hubs initiative. The funding, which is distributed through a competitive grant process, is intended to strengthen state‑level partnerships that support the aerospace workforce and foster innovation in the industry.

Space Florida was selected as the recipient for Project ORBIT, a program designed to broaden educational and career pathways for middle and high school students. The initiative will increase enrollment in key career and technical education programs and will establish a statewide portal that connects skilled workers with aerospace employers. “Project ORBIT will help build a pipeline of talent that meets the growing needs of the aerospace sector,” said Elaine Ho, associate director of Workforce Development at Space Florida.

The allocation of funds is expected to enhance STEM education and workforce readiness, positioning participating states to better meet the demands of a rapidly evolving aerospace market. By investing in education and employment connectivity, NASA’s State Hubs initiative aims to create a more robust, skilled workforce that can sustain long‑term growth in the industry.