FROM TIGERS TO TITANS: Powerful Partnership With Eastern Florida State Welding New Futures for Cocoa High Students

Offering a no-cost, dual-enrollment pathway into EFSC’s Welding Technology Career and Technical Certificate program

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A powerful new partnership between Brevard Public Schools (BPS) and Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) is transforming futures for Cocoa High School students.

The inaugural Tigers to Titans program officially launched this summer, offering students a no-cost, dual-enrollment pathway into EFSC’s high-demand Welding Technology Career and Technical Certificate program.

The initiative opens the door for students, many from low-income backgrounds, to pursue hands-on training in an in-demand field, graduate from high school, and enter the workforce with highly sought-after credentials.

The Tigers to Titans program creates an impactful solution, empowering students to envision a future of financial independence and personal success.

“We’re proud to support Brevard County’s future and workforce,” said Dr. Jim Richey, President of Eastern Florida State College.

“This program is a testament to what can be achieved when education is aligned with economic opportunity. When we prepare students to succeed in real careers, we do more than help individuals; we strengthen our entire community.”

Strengthening Brevard’s Workforce with Accessible Programs

Welding is one of the most sought-after skills nationwide, especially right here on Florida’s Space Coast, where industries such as aerospace, defense, and manufacturing rely heavily on highly skilled labor. EFSC’s welding program not only meets this local demand but equips students with lifelong, transferable skills.

“The launch of the Dual Enrollment Welding Program on the Cocoa Campus of EFSC is a powerful step forward for Brevard Public Schools and our community,” said Dr. Mark Rendell, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools.

“We are extremely grateful to Dr. Jim Richey for his vision and support. By equipping our students with these essential, hands-on skills, we’re not only preparing them for well-paying, meaningful careers—we’re also strengthening the economic future of Brevard County.”

This program reflects Eastern Florida State College’s commitment to workforce readiness and preparing this county’s future leaders for success.

One of the defining features of this initiative is that it comes at no cost to participating students. Tuition, equipment, transportation, and materials are covered thanks to a robust network of community and industry partners, most notably through the efforts of Art Hoelke, Vice President of Knight’s Armament Company.

“Art has been a relentless champion of this program,” according to Rachel Rutledge, Director of Career and Technical Education at BPS.

“From the start, he made it clear that money should never be the reason a student doesn’t participate. He worked to bring in industry partners, the funding, and the momentum. We’re incredibly grateful for his leadership.”

The program was made possible thanks to Hoelke’s efforts, along with support from the Eastern Florida State College Foundation, the Brevard Schools’ Foundation, and the generous commitment of sponsors, including:

■ Knight’s Armament Company
■ Alro Steel Foundation
■ Campat Machine Tool, Inc.
■ Hylant Group, Inc.
■ Mazak Corporation
■ M2X Energy Inc.
■ U.S. Chrome Corporation of Florida
■ Mr. Daniel McKinnon Jr.
■ Lightle Beckner Robison, Inc.
■ Brian L. Lightle
■ Space Coast Machinist Apprenticeship Program
■ ALTR Tool LLC
■ Stellar Industrial Supply
■ Cintas Fire Protection

Real Students, Real Impact

The most compelling testimony to the Tigers to Titans program comes from the students themselves; young men and women who jumped at the chance to spend their summer learning a trade.

Nathan Ebble, who came to the program through Cocoa’s construction track, added, “The program is really cool. The book is easy to understand, and the teachers are great.” Nathan plans to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, who works in the shipyard: “I want to apprentice and then work at Port Canaveral.”

William Hahn has also found the program beneficial and enjoys the learning environment.

“Honestly, I like all of it. The instructor is nice. He teaches us what we’re doing wrong and how to fix it. It’s setting me up for success,” said Hahn.

Building a Legacy of Success

The program’s faculty and administration are just as inspired as the students. Frank Margiotta, Eastern Florida State College’s Dean of Career & Technical Education, believes the program is lighting a fire that will spread across the community.

“There’s a sign in the welding classroom that says, ‘If you’re not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you’re willing to learn, no one can stop you.’ That’s exactly what we are doing with our dual enrollment program—we are helping these kids become unstoppable.”

Eastern Florida State College’s Commitment to Workforce Development

This innovative program is a direct response by the College to further align with Governor DeSantis’ vision to ensure Florida is a leader in the nation in workforce training by 2030.

Tigers to Titans is the latest in Eastern Florida State College’s long-standing commitment to aligning education with workforce needs.

The college has previously introduced non-traditional dual enrollment Career and Technical programs in areas such as CNC machining with Space Coast High School, Patient Care Assisting certifications with several BPS schools, and the Aerospace Structural Assembly Technician certification with Astronaut High School —all designed to equip students with college credit and career skills before they graduate high school.

Cocoa Mayor, Michael C. Blake commented, “We salute College President Dr. Jim Richey and his entire team at Eastern Florida State College for continuously leading the way, supporting innovative initiatives like this which will have a profound and lasting impact on our community.”

What’s Next

The inaugural cohort of Tigers to Titans students has already begun coursework, but the vision extends far beyond one summer. The program’s architects hope to expand it to other schools and trades, creating a replicable model of community investment and academic relevance.

For now, the students of Cocoa High are showing what’s possible when the barriers come down and the sparks begin to fly.

From the first welding torch to a lifelong career, the path from Tigers to Titans is one that starts with belief in the students, in the trades, and in a community that knows no one who is willing to work hard should be left behind.

Find out more at Easternflorida.edu/request-info.

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