WATCH: Gov. Ron DeSantis Visits Titusville High School to Highlight Career Technical Education
By Space Coast Daily // February 17, 2026
ABOVE VIDEO: Gov. Ron DeSantis Visits Titusville High School to Highlight Workforce Education.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – On Tuesday morning, Governor Ron DeSantis made a high-profile visit to Titusville High School in Brevard County to spotlight the growing role of career technical education (CTE) in preparing Florida students for the workforce of the future.
The governor was joined by elected leaders and local educators as part of a broader effort to showcase hands-on learning opportunities that align classroom instruction with industry needs.
The event, held at Titusville High School’s campus, brought attention to the practical skills and career pathways available to students through CTE programs. DeSantis emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities that allow students to graduate with real-world experience and credentials in fields ranging from healthcare and information technology to advanced manufacturing and aerospace. Educators and policymakers alike have highlighted CTE as a way to bridge the gap between academic study and workforce readiness.
Governor DeSantis has made workforce education a signature theme of his administration’s education policy, setting a goal to make Florida a national leader in workforce and technical training by 2030.
Under his leadership, the state has increased funding for CTE programs and encouraged partnerships between schools, businesses, and industry groups to ensure students have access to in-demand skills and credentials.
During the visit, the governor noted the value of programs that allow students to gain industry certifications and explore career options while still in high school—efforts that supporters say strengthen Florida’s workforce and provide alternatives to traditional college-only pathways.
Speaking at the event, Rep. Mike Haridopolos underscored the importance of ensuring that education policy meets the needs of both students and local employers.
Haridopolos, who has previously championed workforce development initiatives, highlighted the benefits of federal and state support for career education programs that prepare students for high-wage jobs immediately after graduation.
Titusville High School Principal Jennifer Gonzalez also addressed the audience, sharing how CTE offerings at the school are helping students connect their studies to future careers. She pointed to programs in areas like cybersecurity, digital design, automotive technology, and health sciences—programs that give students the chance to explore professional interests and earn certifications that can jump-start careers.
Principal Gonzalez emphasized the school’s commitment to equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
Career technical education has been recognized across Florida as a key component of preparing students for a rapidly changing economy. The Florida Department of Education reports that CTE programs serve hundreds of thousands of K-12 students statewide, offering hands-on learning in dozens of career clusters and helping students earn industry credentials while still in school.
Supporters of CTE say that partnerships with local industry, combined with sustained investment by state leaders, can help close skills gaps and provide students with meaningful entry points into the workforce—whether they choose to pursue further education or enter a career directly after graduation.
