The Okaloosa County School District is proud to announce it has been awarded $210,778 through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program (Workforce CAP) by the Florida Department of Education. This grant will directly support two high-impact Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs: Welding Technology at Crestview High School and Applied Cybersecurity at Destin High School, a public charter school within the District. This funding marks a significant investment in Okaloosa's ongoing commitment to preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers, and it reflects the exceptional work of the District's CTE team, whose dedication and expertise led to a competitive and successful grant application.
"Our CTE team continues to raise the bar when it comes to creating meaningful opportunities for students," said Superintendent Marcus Chambers." This grant is a direct result of their hard work, vision, and belief in the power of workforce education. Thanks to their efforts, more students will graduate with the skills and certifications needed to thrive in today's economy." The Workforce CAP Grant is part of Florida's broader initiative to expand and elevate workforce programs that align with the state's priority industries. According to the Florida Department of Education, the latest $40 million round of funding will increase workforce capacity statewide by 59%. Since its launch in 2023, the program has invested over $240 million into building Florida's talent pipeline.
Okaloosa's Career and Technical Education programs are already recognized for producing job-ready graduates, and this additional funding will enable expanded training opportunities, upgraded equipment, and improved student access to industry certifications. As Okaloosa County strengthens its role in shaping Florida's future workforce, this grant underscores the District's leadership in career-connected learning and its commitment to preparing every student for success beyond high school.