Citrus Schools Join Statewide Push to Launch Students into Aerospace Careers

For more than 75 years, Florida has been the epicenter of American space exploration. From the Gemini and Apollo missions to the Space Shuttle era and today’s innovations from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Artemis, the Sunshine State has played a vital role in shaping the nation’s future beyond Earth.

Now, Citrus County Schools is taking a bold step to ensure local students are part of that future.

At its June 10 meeting, the Citrus County School Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Space Florida to launch the Space Florida Academy in the district. The initiative aims to prepare students for high-growth careers in aerospace and related industries through enhanced access to career training, credentials, and educational experiences.

The move is part of a growing statewide effort to align Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with Florida’s evolving space and technology workforce needs.

The Space Florida Academy is designed to integrate with existing high school CTE programs, offering co-branded credentials, exposure to workforce trends, and new learning opportunities. Participating districts gain access to the “Talent Heat Map,” a resource Space Florida uses to showcase high school programs to aerospace companies looking to invest or hire in Florida.

Citrus County becomes the 24th Florida district to join the initiative, alongside neighboring counties Hernando, Marion, and Levy, as well as aerospace hubs such as Brevard and Charlotte counties.

Current Citrus County programs aligned with the academy include:

Citrus High School

• • Building Construction Technologies 1–3
  • Drafting 1–4
  • Welding 1
  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  • Advanced Information Technology
  • Programming Essentials
  • Foundations of Programming

Crystal River High School

• • Drafting 1–4

Lecanto High School

• • Welding 1

Officials say these programs are just the beginning. The MOU opens the door for new opportunities, including expanded student events, educator training, and deeper industry engagement.

The district’s aerospace efforts have also been supported by partnerships with organizations such as The Astronauts Memorial Foundation and The Center for Space Education at Kennedy Space Center. Last year, with help from the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), more than 80 students and educators attended the College and Career Expo at the Center for Space Education.

Now, five Citrus County educators have been selected to attend the prestigious 2025 Space Port Area Conference for Educators at the Kennedy Space Center at the end of June, thanks again to scholarships provided by The Astronauts Memorial Foundation and The Center for Space Education, and CCEF. The teachers will join colleagues from across the country for professional development, curriculum training, and sessions with astronauts and industry leaders.

Congratulations to

• Dr. Ashley Shidner – Lecanto High School, Science, IB Coordinator
• MSgt Eric Brown, USAF – Citrus High School, Aerospace, JROTC
• Angela Hamilton – Citrus High School, Computer Science & Networking, Robotics
• William Linthwaite – Crystal River High School, Drafting/CTE, Architecture
• Megan Richardson – Citrus County School District, District Science Specialist

Established in 2006, Space Florida serves as the state’s aerospace economic development agency. Its mission is to position Florida as a global leader in aerospace by fostering public-private partnerships and developing infrastructure and talent to support a range of space-related industries.

Citrus County’s decision to sign on to the Space Florida Academy reflects both a local commitment to educational innovation and a recognition of the role aerospace will play in Florida’s future.

The results of past investments are already evident. Citrus County alumni include Dr. Benjamin Lev, now a Stanford physics professor and recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, and Dr. Eric Stewart, currently an aerospace engineer at NASA.

With its new partnership in place, Citrus County Schools is ready to help launch the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

Thank you to the Citrus County School Board, Superintendent Dr. Hebert, Chief Academic Officer Amy Crowell, Director of Specialty Programs Mr. Buettner, Director of CTE Debra Stanley, CTE Specialist Dr. Herndon, Shaunda Burdett and the Citrus County Education Foundation, and to all of our district leaders and educators who are encouraging and advancing these efforts. Your commitment is helping to shape a brighter future for our students and our community.

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