NASA Awards $10.5 Million to Expand Florida’s Aerospace STEM Opportunities

NASA has awarded $10.5 million to seven organizations across the United States through its new State Hub Initiative. Space Florida was selected to lead Project ORBIT, a statewide effort designed to expand aerospace opportunities for middle and high school students, encourage enrollment in career and technical education programs, and connect skilled workers with aerospace employers.

Project ORBIT Connects Florida Students With Aerospace Careers

Project ORBIT will support students as they explore careers in aviation, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity, logistics, and semiconductors. The initiative also aims to create a statewide portal that connects qualified workers with employers in Florida’s aerospace industry.

Elaine Ho, associate administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, recently joined local leaders and industry partners to tour Space Florida Academy student activities at three Central Florida schools.

Students at Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida, demonstrated skills in aerospace engineering, robotics, construction, welding, and other technical fields. In Merritt Island, Ho and other leaders visited the Aeronautical Flight Exploration (AFEX) program and cloud computing classroom at Merritt Island High School. They also toured the robotics lab at nearby Edgewood Middle/High School.

Space Florida Academy Expands Across the State

Since launching in August 2024, Space Florida Academy has expanded from 23 to 42 participating school districts. The program prepares students for future careers in aviation and aerospace, advanced manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity, logistics, and semiconductors.

“It’s all about showing students what’s possible and giving them the tools to achieve it,” said Dean Kueke, Merritt Island High School AFEX astronautics and aviation flight instructor.

“There are more potential paths to joining the space industry than they realize. We’re showing them how they can achieve it through learning, motivation, and chasing their dreams. I’m excited for them,” Kueke said.

Florida Students Find Their Path in Aviation and Space

Merritt Island High School seniors and student pilots Olivia Street and Troy Wallenberg are both beneficiaries of the program.

“It makes you feel like you’re part of something much bigger than just a high school class. I learned what I want to do when I grow up, which is to be a pilot,” Street said.

Wallenberg said the program has helped him feel connected to the space industry.

“My whole life I’ve loved space,” Wallenberg said. “It’s so nice to know that I’m actually somewhat involved in it, too.”

NASA Focuses on Accessible STEM Opportunities

Ho praised the range of educational and career opportunities available to students in Central Florida.

“I was so impressed by how many opportunities this region offers for students who have an incredible ability to solve difficult problems, who can build hardware, and who want to be part of something bigger than themselves,” Ho said. “NASA is focused on making sure these opportunities are accessible.”