M-DCPS Secures More Than $3.2 Million in State Funding to Expand Aerospace, Aviation Workforce Education

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has been awarded more than $3.2 million in state funding to expand its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in the aerospace and aviation sectors.

The $3,249,247 investment is part of the $40 million allocated by Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas to strengthen workforce education programs across the state. The funding will support the launch of the district’s second SpaceHUB Magnet program at Booker T. Washington Senior High School.

Developed in partnership with Space Florida, the new SpaceHUB at Booker T. Washington is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the aerospace and defense industries. The initiative addresses workforce needs identified through the Perkins Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment and input from aerospace industry leaders.

The program will offer three specialized CTE magnet tracks aligned with high-demand aerospace careers:

·       Aerospace Applied Engineering – Focused on the design, development and testing of aircraft and spacecraft systems.

·       Aerospace Applied Robotics – Training students in automation and robotics used in aerospace manufacturing and operations.

·       Aerospace Electrical Systems – Providing instruction in the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of electrical and avionics systems in aircraft and space vehicles.

This marks the second of three planned SpaceHUBs within M-DCPS. The first was launched at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High, which received a state CAP grant in 2024. The expansion reflects the district’s commitment to building a strong talent pipeline to support Florida’s leadership in aerospace innovation.

In addition to the SpaceHUB funding, M-DCPS secured $350,000 to support post-secondary CTE programs. This funding will benefit adult learners and recent graduates pursuing advanced certifications in aviation maintenance, including:

·       Aviation Powerplant Mechanics

·       Aviation Airframe Mechanics

·       Aviation Maintenance General

This dual investment strategy ensures M-DCPS is preparing both high school and post-secondary students for careers in high-demand, skilled trades essential to Florida’s economy.

“This significant investment reaffirms our commitment to creating clear, industry-aligned career pathways for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. “By partnering with Space Florida and focusing on both specialized high school programs and advanced post-secondary training, we are ensuring that the curriculum is rigorous and directly prepares our community for high-wage, high-demand jobs shaping the future of space exploration and aviation.”

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