A new partnership between Brevard Public Schools (BPS) and Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) is creating a powerful pathway for local students. The inaugural “Tigers to Titans” program, made possible with support from the Brevard Schools Foundation, is a no-cost, dual-enrollment initiative that allows Cocoa High School students to earn a Welding Technology Career and Technical Certificate from EFSC while still in high school.
This innovative program is a direct response to the national shortage of skilled welders, with the American Welding Society projecting a need for over 330,000 welders by 2028. Locally, industries on the Space Coast, including aerospace and manufacturing, rely heavily on this highly skilled labor. The “Tigers to Titans” program not only helps meet this demand but also provides students with lifelong, transferable skills and prepares them for well-paying, meaningful careers.
Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools, Dr. Mark Rendell, highlighted the significance of the program, stating, “By equipping our students with these essential, hands-on skills, we’re not only preparing them for well-paying, meaningful careers—we’re also strengthening the economic future of Brevard County”. The program was also made possible with support from the Eastern Florida State College Foundation and other generous sponsors, including Knight’s Armament Company, Alro Steel Foundation, Campat Machine Tool, Inc., and Hylant Group, Inc..
The program’s architects hope to expand the model to other schools and trades, creating a replicable model of community investment and academic relevance. This initiative empowers students, many from low-income backgrounds, to pursue hands-on training, graduate with credentials, and enter the workforce with a clear vision of their future.
For a more in-depth look at the program, check out this article on Brevard Business News.
Note of Gratitude
