Eastern Florida State College Receives $1.5M Job Growth Grant to Prepare Workers for High-Demand Jobs

State funding will support lab upgrades, new equipment and additional instructors

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Eastern Florida State College has been awarded a $1.5 million Florida Job Growth Workforce Training Grant, a major state investment aimed at strengthening workforce development and supporting Florida’s growing industries.

The funding will bolster EFSC’s ability to meet increasing demand for skilled workers in the construction and aerospace sectors—two pillars of the region’s economy.

Grant dollars will be used to renovate and expand the College’s welding and HVAC laboratories, purchase new equipment and instructional materials for hands-on training, and hire additional faculty to support program growth.

“These grants will help students develop the skills in demand in key industries—ensuring Florida remains the national leader in workforce development and economic growth,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a post on X.

EFSC President Jim Richey said the award will have a lasting impact on students and the regional economy.

“We are deeply grateful for this $1.5 million investment, which will significantly strengthen our welding and HVAC training programs and help us prepare even more students for high-demand careers across Florida,” Richey said.

“I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his continued support of our mission to provide cutting-edge workforce education.”

The Florida Job Growth Workforce Training Grant program is designed to align education and training with employer needs, ensuring students graduate with skills that translate directly into well-paying jobs.

For more information about Eastern Florida State College and its career and technical degree and certificate programs, visit easternflorida.edu/go/careertech.

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