FSU InSPIRE Joins Regional K-12 Schools and State Colleges to Build a STEM Workforce Supporting Projected Growth in Aerospace, Defense, and Advanced Manufacturing
As STEM professions continue to grow within Florida, and northwest Florida specifically is projected to experience 16% growth in computer and mathematical professions from 2024 to 2034, skilled workers are still needed to meet expanding production, engineering, and technical jobs in our region. This potential workforce gap is what Florida State University, together with regional colleges and workforce development programs, is actively addressing.
In March 2024, representatives from FSU, Tallahassee State College, Gulf Coast State College, Chipola College, Northwest Florida State College and Pensacola State College signed a memorandum of understanding signifying ongoing collaboration to provide career pathways for the students who will become tomorrow’s workforce. Pathways include all levels of specialization ranging from technicians and associate degrees to bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees within the advanced manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, and energy sectors.
That partnership was strengthened this summer as Northwest Florida State College and Pensacola State College hosted FSU InSPIRE artificial intelligence and robotics courses for K–12 teachers. In addition to completing coursework, educators toured both campuses, explored laboratories and technical learning spaces, and learned about the options available to students upon graduation, including immediate tech positions, state college, and/or FSU degree pathways. By bringing K–12 teachers onto local campuses, educators see firsthand the academic programs, technical credentials, facilities, and support systems available to students. Teachers can bring that knowledge back to their classrooms and help students connect current learning with future educational and career opportunities.
While colleges and certification programs can best prepare skilled technicians and managers, STEM experts with advanced degrees are also essential. Research indicates that the most effective way to increase highly skilled STEM expertise begins in elementary education.
“FSU InSPIRE seeks to develop K-12 educational pipelines leading to high-wage, high-tech career opportunities in northwest Florida,” said FSU InSPIRE Executive Director Drew Allen. “We must create unique partnerships with teachers in our school districts to realize this generational vision. Our region is flush with every necessary resource to attract aerospace, maritime, and defense industries, and we must create the educational environment required to meet modern workforce demands. By exposing students to individually curated, industry-informed experiences integrated with relevant curriculum, we can lay the groundwork for retaining our most valuable resource: our people.”
Led by Director of Education and Workforce Talent Carrie Meyers and supported by the educational experts at FSU’s Learning Systems Institute, InSPIRE’s progressive series of learning for K-12 teachers is now in its third year. Designed to establish foundational knowledge in how to responsibly use artificial intelligence to co-create learning opportunities rooted in next generation skills, courses progress to other topics such as robotics, engineering, and computational thinking.
"While we know that higher education is vitally important in workforce development, we also understand the need to support young students in their formative years,” said Pensacola State College President Dr. C. Edward Meadows. “By hosting the InSPIRE workshops, PSC is helping instill viable career options that future students can aspire to achieve. Teachers are learning first-hand what we can offer, and they are gaining key insights into how that translates into high paying careers for their students.”
Hosting the courses on college campuses also allows teachers to personally experience the environments their students may one day enter. Rather than discussing college and workforce pathways only in theory, educators can see the equipment, meet the people, and explore the programs that turn those pathways into real opportunities.
“Florida’s state colleges are a critical bridge between K–12 education, universities and regional employers,” said Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder. “Through partnerships like FSU InSPIRE, we are helping students discover high-demand careers while providing accessible pathways to the credentials and degrees needed to strengthen Florida’s workforce.”
FSU InSPIRE serves the Gulf Coast counties through funding by Triumph Gulf Coast. Its workforce development initiative includes fostering lifelong learning environments to embolden educators and illuminate career pathways through strategic partnerships.
“If our schoolteachers aren't properly equipped to spark that early interest in STEM and related disciplines, the career pipeline suffers before it even begins,” added Meyers. “When teachers understand both the instructional content and the opportunities that follow, the multiplier effect takes place. By upskilling those frontline teachers who personally engage many students every year and thousands throughout their career, InSPIRE is significantly impacting potential future innovators right here in northwest Florida.”
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About FSU InSPIRE
The Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) is accelerating breakthroughs in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. At the core of this effort are dedicated partners working together to establish northwest Florida as a national center of innovation, driving regional economic growth. InSPIRE is leading comprehensive workforce development initiatives for K-12 educators along the Gulf Coast of Florida to build the skilled talent that will support the region’s industrial growth. Advanced manufacturing facilities are in development for end-to-end production, aero-testing and immersive training in STEM. Local, regional, and national partners are embedding employees at InSPIRE, collaborating with researchers, FSU faculty, and business leaders to develop and productionize aerospace, defense, and energy solutions, while offering hands-on learning to students and aspiring engineers in northwest Florida. FSU InSPIRE launched with an initial grant from Triumph Gulf Coast.
About Pensacola State College
Pensacola State College is widely recognized as a premier, student-friendly college that competes with the best – offering more than 100 programs, state-of-the-art resources, and a stellar faculty. Nationally ranked in the Top One Percent in affordable tuition, Pensacola State College is a smart move toward a bachelor’s degree or a high-tech career. Offerings include Bachelor of Applied Science in Administration and Supervision, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and career-oriented certificate programs. Learn more at PensacolaState.edu.
About Northwest Florida State College
Located in the coastal heart of the Florida panhandle, Northwest Florida State College has earned a reputation for educational excellence and community involvement. As part of Florida’s public system of 28 state and community colleges, NWFSC offers bachelor’s degree programs, associate degrees, and certificates. In addition to a record of regional and national accolades, NWFSC offers state-of-the-art student computer labs, a top-rated sports complex and a full program of intercollegiate and intramural sports, a child development center, and a criminal justice training center. A 120,000 square foot Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center on the Niceville Campus provides students the finest in instructional facilities for dance, music, theater, the visual arts, and the humanities. Learn more at NWFSC.edu.