Brevard's newest career pathway will prepare students for firefighting careers while helping meet the Space Coast's growing demand for first responders.
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Florida’s state budget, which includes a $640,000 appropriation to establish a firefighting program at Cocoa High School, creating a direct pathway for students to enter one of Brevard County’s most critical and in-demand professions.
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA — Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Florida’s state budget, which includes a $640,000 appropriation to establish a firefighting program at Cocoa High School, creating a direct pathway for students to enter one of Brevard County’s most critical and in-demand professions.
The new program will be just the second high school firefighting academy in Brevard County, expanding career and technical education opportunities while helping address workforce shortages among local fire departments and emergency response agencies across the Space Coast.
The appropriation was sponsored by Senator Debbie Mayfield and Representative Tyler Sirois as a fixed capital outlay project in the state’s General Appropriations Act. Funding will support the construction of specialized training space and the purchase of equipment necessary to launch the program.
“Preparing students for high-demand careers is at the heart of our commitment to every child in Brevard,” said Dr. Mark Rendell, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools. “This program gives Cocoa High students a direct path to a respected, good-paying profession while strengthening our community by helping train the first responders our neighborhoods will depend on for years to come.”
“Preparing students for high-demand careers is at the heart of our commitment to every child in Brevard,” said Dr. Mark Rendell, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools.
“This program gives Cocoa High students a direct path to a respected, good-paying profession while strengthening our community by helping train the first responders our neighborhoods will depend on for years to come.”
Students enrolled in the program will gain hands-on experience, industry-relevant training, and opportunities to earn certifications that prepare them for careers in firefighting and emergency services after graduation.
District leaders anticipate the academy will not only serve Cocoa High students but also attract students from across Brevard County who are interested in pursuing careers in public safety. The program is expected to enhance Cocoa High School’s profile as a destination for career-focused education while supporting enrollment growth.
The new firefighting program reflects Brevard Public Schools’ ongoing commitment to expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities that connect classroom instruction with real-world career pathways.
Through partnerships with industry leaders, public agencies, and community organizations, the district continues to develop programs that align with local workforce needs and provide students with meaningful opportunities for future success.
“Career and Technical Education is transforming lives by giving students access to pathways that lead directly to rewarding careers,” Dr. Rendell said. “This investment creates opportunities for students while helping meet an important need in our community.”
The Cocoa High School Firefighting Program is expected to begin following the completion of facility enhancements and equipment acquisition made possible through the state funding.
About Brevard Public Schools
Brevard Public Schools serves more than 70,000 students across Florida’s Space Coast with a mission to serve every student with excellence as the standard. The district offers a wide range of Career and Technical Education programs that prepare students for high-demand careers through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and industry-recognized certifications. Brevard Public Schools has earned an “A” district grade from the Florida Department of Education for two consecutive years.
