Florida Selected as One of Seven NASA-Designated Aerospace Workforce Hubs, Launches Project Orbit
EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.—August 21, 2026—Space Florida has been awarded $1.5 million by NASA through its Office of STEM Engagement to launch Project ORBIT (Opportunities and Resources Building Industry Talent), a statewide initiative connecting Florida's education, training and industry systems into a single strategy for building the aerospace workforce. The award comes through NASA's new Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs program, created to address nationwide shortages in the aerospace and defense workforce and strengthen U.S. competitiveness. Space Florida is one of seven organizations nationally selected to receive a state hub designation, with funding distributed over three years.
Project ORBIT will work with key workforce partners to help Floridians build the technical skills needed across six industry areas identified by industry employers as critical needs: aerospace, advanced manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity/IT, logistics and semiconductors. The initiative will create a direct line for learners, moving from early career exploration into training programs, internships and apprenticeships, all tied to industry-validated skills and credentials.
"Florida's aerospace industry is only as strong as the talent behind it,” said Rob Long, President and CEO, Space Florida. “This award lets us reach students earlier, connect them to real career paths, and make sure they're ready for the jobs our partners are creating right now."
At the center of Project ORBIT is a network of partners that includes state agencies, workforce boards, technical colleges, universities and industry leaders, including the Associated Builders and Contractors Institute, Astronaut Memorial Foundation, CrowdCoursing, CyberFlorida, Florida Semiconductor Institute, FloridaMakes and Tiggbee. Through ongoing convenings with employers and education partners, Project ORBIT will identify essential technical competencies, recommend timelines for skill attainment, and support training providers as they expand programs to meet current and emerging aerospace workforce needs.
“Florida's students deserve an education that leads to in-demand careers,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. “The designation of Space Florida as a state hub will help us align all education pathways with the skills the aerospace industry needs."
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has solidified itself as an environment where businesses can grow and Floridians can succeed — a strong, skilled workforce is essential to that success,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Strengthening Florida’s workforce through Project ORBIT will keep our state competitive and support continued economic growth.”
Project ORBIT applies the larger Florida Model to workforce: building durable infrastructure and capability rather than relying on one-off incentives. The initiative is designed to strengthen the talent pipeline already in place, not just fill near-term gaps.
It will also expand opportunities for middle and high school students, grow enrollment in key Career and Technical Education programs, and launch a statewide talent portal where individuals can showcase their skills, credentials and work-based learning experience directly to aerospace employers.
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Media Contact
Alayna Curry, APR
acurry@spaceflorida.gov
About Space Florida
Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As the state’s independent aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida brings a mix of unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and unbeatable location to the table by providing critical business financing opportunities for the aerospace industry, managing infrastructure investment in the state’s spaceport system, and facilitating research and development, workforce, education, and investment programs.
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