{
  "id": 7811100,
  "title": "NASA Visits Schools Strengthening Florida’s Skilled Workforce",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/nasa-visits-schools-strengthening-floridas-skilled-workforce",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-16T15:14:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "NASA",
    "slug": "nasa",
    "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/nasa-visits-schools-strengthening-floridas-skilled-workforce/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NASA has awarded $10.5 million to seven organizations across the nation, including Space Florida, through its new State Hubs initiative. The program, called Project ORBIT, is aimed at expanding opportunities for middle and high school students in aerospace-related fields, increasing enrollment in career and technical education programs, and creating a statewide portal to connect skilled workers with aerospace employers. Elaine Ho, NASA's associate administrator for STEM Engagement, visited Central Florida schools to witness the impact of the program. At Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida, students showcased their expertise in aerospace engineering, robotics, and welding. Later, Ho and local leaders stopped by Merritt Island High School and Edgewood Junior/Senior High School, where students were engaged in aeronautics, cloud computing, and robotics. Since its inception in August 2024, the Space Florida Academy has grown from 23 to 42 participating school districts. Dean Cuke, an AFEX instructor at Merritt Island High School, emphasized the program's aim to broaden students' understanding of career possibilities within the space industry. Among the program's beneficiaries are Merritt Island High School juniors Olivia Street and Troy Wallenburg, who expressed their enthusiasm about the opportunities the program provides. Ho praised the region's potential, highlighting NASA's commitment to facilitating students' access to these opportunities.",
  "summary": "NASA recently awarded $10.5 million to seven organizations nationwide through its new State Hubs initiative. Space Florida was selected for Project ORBIT, which aims to expand opportunities for middle and high school students, boost enrollment in key career and technical programs, and create a statewide portal connecting skilled workers with aerospace employers. Elaine Ho, associate […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "NASA Science",
        "title": "NASA Visits Schools Strengthening Florida’s Skilled Workforce",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/nasa-visits-schools-strengthening-floridas-skilled-workforce-7818389",
        "published": "2026-09-16T15:14:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}