Polk County Public Schools
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has awarded Polk Public Schools a $1.4 million education grant to enhance Kathleen High School’s Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA), an aviation-oriented high school/career academy located on the campus of the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In.
“This major grant from our nation’s space agency not only recognizes the quality and potential of the CFAA program, but also places Polk County Schools among some of the country’s top science and technology programs,” said Superintendent of Schools Gail F. McKinzie, Ph.D. “On behalf of the Polk County School Board, I extend congratulations to everyone involved in obtaining this significant and prestigious award.”
The NASA grant program awarded a total of $11.5 million to public school districts, state-based education initiatives and not-for-profit education organizations across the country. Individual grants ranged from $300,000 to the $1.4 million. Polk received the largest grant award at $1.4 million. Other grant recipients included the Chicago Public Schools, Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., the Georgia Department of Education and the Council of Chief School Officers in Washington. D.C.
A portion of Polk’s grant money will be used to enhance the academy’s curriculum through intensive, activity-based “discovery mode” lessons. Learning activities will embed mathematics and science standards and concepts into workforce education courses leading to specific certifications. Grant monies will also be used for additional professional development for CFAA instructors. The University of South Florida-Tampa and USF Polytechnic-Lakeland will assist with curriculum development. Resources of Lakeland’s Traviss Career Center and Polk Community College will also be utilized.
“We believe the enhancements that this grant will bring to the Central Florida Aerospace Academy will inspire students to study aviation and aviation-related fields in college in addition to bolstering the industry locally with a qualified workforce,” said John Small, Polk Public Schools senior director of workforce education.
Community and education partners involved in the CFAA are the Polk Public Schools, Polk Public Schools Workforce Education Department, Sun ’n Fun Fly-In, Florida Air Museum, Lakeland Lindner Regional Airport, University of South Florida-Tampa, USF Polytechnic, Polk Community College, Gulf Coast Avionics, Central Florida Development Council, FAA Safety Team and Production Studios and Traviss Career Center.
The CFAA is part of Florida’s A++ legislation requiring high schools to implement professional and career academies in high wage, high-skill professions. Students enrolled in the CFAA receive instruction in avionics, pre-engineering and aerospace technologies.
Currently, the academy’s avionics track prepares students for a career as avionics technicians. The pre-engineering and aerospace technologies tracks provide technical knowledge and experience and introduce students to the aerospace environment with a focus on flight, navigation, aircraft systems and design. They also provide an excellent background for continued college studies in engineering and aerospace. The academy is also preparing to offer an Air Force JROTC program.
Sun ‘n Fun, a 501(c)(3) not–for–profit organization based in Lakeland, Florida, is best known for its annual Fly–In held each April. The Fly–In is the primary source of funding for Sun ‘n Fun’s expanding year–round aviation education programs. These include operation of the Florida Air Museum, the state’s “Official Aviation Museum and Education Center,” which is also supported through grants from the Division of Historical Resources and Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State. In addition, Sun ‘n Fun has initiated education programs for aviation enthusiasts of all ages – especially young people – featuring valuable “hands on” learning experiences, including the new Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) in partnership with the Polk County School Board, Polk Community College, the University of South Florida Polytechnic, Gulf Coast Avionics and other education-minded organizations. A growing scholarship program provides financial support to ensure Sun ‘n Fun’s education programs are accessible to all. For more information, access Sun ‘n Fun’s website (www.sun-n-fun.org) or call the Sun ‘n Fun offices (863–644–2431).
For more information on the grant award or the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) contact John Small at (863) 519-8437. For more information on Sun ‘n Fun or the Florida Air Museum, contact Donna Gabriel at (863) 644-2431.
