Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $8 million in funding through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support critical infrastructure projects related to workforce development and high-demand industries in the state. The awards include nearly $5 million to Palm Beach State University, $2.5 million to Melbourne Orlando International Airport and more than $900,000 to Broward College.
State officials said the investment is aimed at strengthening talent pipelines and infrastructure in sectors such as aerospace and aviation, military and defense, cybersecurity and financial services. DeSantis said the communities of Brevard and Palm Beach counties play a critical role in leading these industrial clusters, and the funding to Broward College is intended to expand pathways to accelerate aviation workforce training.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said the grants are targeted investments that support national security priorities and workforce readiness, including training in aviation, cybersecurity, encryption, secure communications and data protection.
Palm Beach State University will receive $4.95 million to create a new workforce program focused on computing and emerging quantum technologies related to national defense, cybersecurity, and financial services. The modular program offers an eight-week rapid training period and is expected to have 970 students enroll and 570 complete the program over the next 10 years.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport will receive $2.5 million to expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul apron, which project officials say will support both civil and military aviation operations and create about 500 jobs with average annual salaries of $75,000 to $85,000.
Broward College will receive $908,000 to expand its Aviation Maintenance Acceleration Express program, an intensive hands-on training track designed to help students earn aviation maintenance certifications and prepare for rapid employment. Students in this program earn three technical college credits and can pursue an Associate of Science degree. The current cohort has achieved 100% retention from fall to spring.
Since 2019, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund has awarded more than $305 million across the state, helping to create more than 41,000 jobs and more than 32,000 workforce education opportunities. The program advances public infrastructure and workforce training projects selected by the Governor after review by Florida Commerce to meet regional economic needs.
