On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis launched the “Get There Faster Initiative” which will expand career and technical training in the Sunshine State.
The new programs will rely on $75 million in federal funds and will “expand access and enrollment in quality, in-demand Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, postsecondary credentials, and work-based learning programs” and “accelerate career pathways for K-12 and post-secondary students that result in high-value certifications, credentials and outcomes to drive Florida’s economic recovery.”
DeSantis and Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran spoke about the programs on Monday with the governor continuing to promise that Florida will lead the nation in workforce development in the near future.
“The Get There Faster innovative workforce initiatives will accelerate Florida’s efforts to be the best state in the nation for workforce development by 2030,” said DeSantis. “The $75 million in federal funds will provide high school and adult students access to the resources they need to expedite the completion of their degrees or certifications.”
“We know that a postsecondary educated workforce is the backbone of a thriving economy,” said Corcoran. “Right now, more than ever, we need to do everything we can to help Floridians gain access to higher education and training. Our school districts and public postsecondary state colleges are ready to serve the needs of Florida, and these dollars are exactly what our students and residents need to ensure their economic stability and wellbeing.”
The new initiative will focus on both “career dual enrollment to provide technical skills preparation and work-based learning opportunities for K-12 students and a postsecondary workforce initiative for residents, with or without a high school diploma, seeking in-demand and high-value career and technical education or training. “
DeSantis and Corcoran are calling on most of the funds–$50 million–be used to help students enter workforce college credit or career dual enrollment programs. The funds can be used to support students including through tutoring, mentoring, expanding job placement resources and efforts to increase financial literacy. DeSantis and Corcoran are calling on using the remaining $25 million to help adult learners in workforce education programs in any of the 28 state colleges or 48 technical centers across Florida.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
