Florida Department of Education celebrates reaching a milestone of $200 million awarded to expand and strengthen workforce education programs across the state
Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Department of Education has officially reached a significant milestone, awarding $12 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program (Workforce CAP), bringing the total investment in workforce education to an impressive $200 million since the program’s inception in 2023. This round of funding, announced under the leadership of Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr., aims to expand and strengthen workforce education programs across the state, focusing on high-demand sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and technology.
“Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ steadfast leadership, Florida has prioritized investments in career and technical education which lead to economic success for our students and our economy,” said Commissioner Diaz. “With this $12 million investment, we are strengthening workforce education programs while creating new opportunities for students to gain the skills needed for high-demand careers.”
The Workforce CAP program has been a cornerstone of Florida’s ongoing efforts to equip students with the practical skills required to thrive in today’s competitive job market. This latest funding will help expand eight workforce education programs statewide, offering students in both high school and post-secondary education the hands-on training they need to succeed in emerging industries.
The funds are spread across various educational institutions, each receiving a portion to support and expand specific workforce development programs. Among the recipients is the Baker County School District, which will receive $1.7 million to enhance programs in agritechnology, horticulture science, and technical agriculture operations. Similarly, Clay County School District will use its $1.7 million to grow programs such as agricultural communications, agritechnology, and veterinary assisting, while also introducing new programs in agribusiness management and biotechnology.
Other school districts that will benefit from this round of funding include Dixie County, Hendry County, Hernando County, Levy County, and Sumter County, each receiving $1.7 million. The grants will expand or introduce agritechnology and agriculture-focused programs, meeting the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the state’s vital agriculture sector.
The Florida State University Lab School is also a key recipient, receiving $455,792 to enhance its programs in nursing assistance, commercial art technology, and game/simulation/animation visual design—fields that are rapidly growing in importance within Florida’s economy.
The Workforce CAP Grant Program is designed to support the creation and expansion of career and technical education (CTE) programs that lead to industry-recognized certifications. These programs are integral to meeting the needs of Florida’s burgeoning industries, from healthcare to agriculture to technology. The funding ensures that students are not only receiving an education but also gaining practical experience that directly aligns with the state’s economic demands.
“By investing in workforce development programs, we are preparing the next generation of Floridians for success in industries that are essential to our state’s future,” Commissioner Diaz added. “These programs provide students with the tools and resources they need to step into the workforce with the skills necessary for today’s most in-demand jobs.”
Florida’s commitment to workforce education is reflected in its sustained investment in programs like Workforce CAP. The program has already supported hundreds of students, helping them earn certifications that open doors to high-paying careers in fields like agriculture, healthcare, and technology. As the state continues to grow and evolve, these initiatives are designed to ensure that its workforce remains highly skilled and capable of meeting the challenges of a dynamic job market.
For school districts and institutions within the Florida College System, more information on how to apply for the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant can be found through the Workforce CAP Grant Program website.
With this latest round of funding, the Florida Department of Education is reaffirming its commitment to building a strong, skilled workforce that will contribute to the state’s continued economic success in the years to come.
