DCAE February 2024 Newsletter by Chancellor2

#15 FEB | 2024

The Division OF CAREER AND ADULT EDUCATION

NEWSLETTER

Trailblazing Success in CTE at Indian River State College | p4 Program Highlight

Xello Highlight

CTE Month

Lights, Camera, Action!

Have you heard about

Join us in celebrating

Florida’s new college and

February as Career and

career readiness platform?

Technical Education Month.

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10 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) MONTH

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

GetThereFL.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

CONTENTS

WELCOME MESSAGE Greetings, Happy Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! As the Chancellor for the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Career and Adult Education, I am thrilled to share some remarkable statistics highlighting our state’s success in CTE. As a result of Florida’s policies to support workforce education, the state currently has nearly 800,000 K-12 CTE students, more than 412,000 postsecondary CTE students and over 20,000 registered apprentices and preapprentices engaged in hands-on learning, contributing significantly to skill development. Since the academic year 2018-2019, over 5 million students have been engaged in CTE coursework across the state. Thank you for your continued support of CTE in Florida. Together, we are shaping a future filled with opportunities for every student.

KEVIN O’FARRELL, PH.D.

Chancellor of Career and Adult Education Florida Department of Education

WELCOME MESSAGE

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

Program Highlight

Xello HIGHLIGHT

CTE Month

Student highlight

Legislative Update

RECENT NEWS

SOCIAL SHOUTOUTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell Shares the Importance of CTE Month

Trailblazing Success in CTE at Indian River State College

Lights, Camera, Action!

Have You Heard About Florida’s New College and Career Readiness Platform?

Join us in celebrating February as Career and Technical Education Month.

Single Dad earns A.S. Degree and Competes in Competitive Hackaton

The Florida Legislature Is Now In Session

Read More About the Recent Investments in Workforce Education

Institutions and Partners Across the State are Sharing and Promoting CTE

Learn More About Upcoming Observances that Highlight CTE

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

Trailblazing Success in CTE at Indian River State College Submitted by Indian River State College

When it comes to the trades, two female students from Indian River State College’s (IRSC) workforce training programs are making their mark and proving that working with your hands—and getting them dirty—is for everyone. Sophia Moleiro is finishing her two-year A.A.S. Degree program in Automotive Service Management Technology. On her first day, as the only woman in her class, she could feel the eyes of the other students on her. Moleiro welcomed more than 500 community leaders and well-wishers who gathered Nov. 1 for the grand opening of IRSC’s Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex. The purpose-built, 60,000-square-foot complex is Florida’s newest, most technologically advanced workforce training facility. The complex features cutting-edge technology and industry-specific training combined for immersive educational experiences in specialized technical career fields, including advanced manufacturing;

robotics and smart automation; automotive; welding; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; and more.

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The hands-on opportunities are phenomenal—you really learn a lot. I’m a very hands-on learner Sophia Moleiro

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Working with the latest technology and equipment at the Eastman Complex gave her an advantage in the industry, she said. After graduating, she has plans to study welding at IRSC, with the dream of opening her own shop. Today, she works as the only female mechanic at Sunrise Ford in Fort Pierce. Brenda Sandoval, 33, was teaching preschool during the day and studying at night and weekends to earn a certificate in

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

IRSC’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology program. Today she owns her own company—Air Pro Heating and Cooling—serving customers in Okeechobee and surrounding communities.

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When I first enrolled in the HVAC program, I had no idea how it was going to change my life. (Instructor) Rudy Cheung gave me the confidence in the classroom. Brenda Sandoval

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Brenda Sandoval

Like Moleiro, Sandoval was the only female student in the class. By the end of the program, her classmates were coming to her for help. Sandoval occasionally encounters initial resistance from new customers in the field. However, given the close-knit nature of the Okeechobee community, as word spread about her expertise, people began to place their trust in her. For more information on IRSC Career Training programs, visit the career training programs page at www.irsc.edu.

Sophia Moliero

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Students in Seminole State College’s Television and Digital Cinema Program

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Lights, camera, action! Submitted by Seminole State College

Since 1998, Seminole State College’s award-winning Television and Digital Cinema Program has been preparing students to work in the field of TV and movie production as camera operators, editors, light and sound engineers, producers and directors. Starting in Fall 2023, a new collaboration has emerged between the program and Seminole State’s Theatre Program to spark students’ excitement and creativity, take advantage of common skillsets relevant for the two areas, promote student retention and completion and aid in the development of robust student portfolios that encompass both artistic and technical skills. Two courses, Acting for the Camera and Directing for the Camera, were created and are co-taught by Digital Cinema and Theatre faculty members, and include students interested in both sides of the camera, from acting to production. The course objectives involve everything from the creation of a story and script and resulting individual performances by the actors, to the processes of lighting, sound, film and direction among the digital cinema students. Invaluable production experience benefits both groups of students as they eventually seek employment in a variety of

stage, film and TV environments in artistic and technical roles. The new initiative complements what the program has always done well, providing access to state-of-the-art HD cameras and to AVID, the industry-standard editing software, having students begin creating programming from the beginning and preparing graduates with a demo reel they can show to prospective employers. Advanced students also have the opportunity to produce programming that airs on local cable and public television outlets. All classes are hands-on and taught by professionals who are working in the field. Seminole State College offers the Associate in Science (A.S.) Digital Cinema and Television Production degree along with embedded certificates that include Digital Video Fundamentals and Video Editing and Post-Production. A Stage Technology certificate is also available as a complement to the Theatre Pathway within the A.A. Degree.

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHT

XELLO HIGHLIGHT

Have you heard about Florida’s new college and career readiness platform? By the Florida Department of Education

Xello is Florida’s online career and future readiness tool aimed at helping students better understand their interests and future career options. After taking a few short quizzes, Xello presents students with career matches that are excellent, good, fair and poor. From paramedic to phlebotomist, project manager to marine mechanic, cybersecurity analyst to culinary arts, Xello presents career opportunities that get students thinking about their future. Each career match comes with a job description, annual salary range and training requirements. Students can read about similar careers and discover whether demand for this career is increasing or decreasing. Many well-paying careers don’t require four years at a college or university. Career and Technical Education is a fast, affordable way to prepare for a variety of fulfilling, stable careers with mid- to highwage potential. Xello can help identify these career opportunities.

Xello helps students explore colleges and have a smoother college application experience. For example, they can request e-transcripts and letters of recommendation within the platform. Xello fully engages every student in building the skills, knowledge, and plans for future success.

XELLO HIGHLIGHT

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS: Career readiness might sound like a big, grown-up thing, but it’s actually really important for kids like you, too. Imagine getting to do something you really enjoy every day when you’re a grown-up. You’re getting better at reading, solving problems and working with others — all of which will help you get the job you choose. Xello will help you get ready! FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS: Career readiness might seem like a far-off thing right now, but it’s pretty important, even at your age. Through Xello, you will probably discover cool jobs you didn’t even know existed! It will also help you grow confidence, build skills and set goals for yourself. FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: High school is a time to explore your interests and figure out what you’re passionate about. Xello can help you align your future job with what you love to do.

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

CTE MONTH

Join us in celebrating February as Career and Technical Education Month By the Florida Department of Education

February marks a special time to recognize and celebrate the incredible journey of Career and Technical Education (CTE). As a proud partner of Get There, Florida’s workforce education initiative, we’re excited to join in the celebration of CTE Month. CTE programs throughout Florida are rooted in limitless potential and hold the key to personal and professional growth. For students eager to fast-track their success, CTE is the ticket to a world of opportunities. With an astounding 17 career pathways to choose from, students can gain essential skills through immersive, hands-on experiences. These programs are not only accessible but also affordable and can be completed in a year or less, opening doors to high-wage potential careers. Here’s the exciting part: In Florida, there’s a wealth of in-demand, high-paying jobs that don’t necessarily require a fouryear degree. From careers in artificial

intelligence, engineering technology, healthcare, robotics, to IT, the options are boundless. Our state proudly boasts nearly 800,000 K-12 CTE students, marking the highest enrollment in the state’s history. Additionally, there are more than 412,000 postsecondary CTE students and 20,000 registered apprentices actively engaged in workforce education. This CTE Month, let’s celebrate the possibilities, accomplishments and prospects that CTE offers. Join us in recognizing the significance of CTE and be part of a community committed to building a brighter future for Florida. If you are interested in CTE or want to learn more about Florida’s workforce education initiative, visit GetThereFL.com.

CTE MONTH

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) MONTH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

GetThereFL.com DOWNLOAD CTE MONTH TOOLKIT

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

Single Dad earns A.S. Degree and competes in competitive Hackaton Submitted by Seminole State College Jordan Arroyo illustrates the Seminole State College (SSC) slogan “GO STATE GO FAR.” He has balanced a busy life as a single dad with a stellar career at SSC. Jordan completed an A.S. in Computer Programming in 2022 and was awarded a Technical Internship at TIAA where he worked over the summer at their corporate office in North Carolina. He has continued to maintain a perfect GPA as he looks forward to graduating with his BS in Information Systems Technology, Programming Specialization in Spring 2024. Jordan is part of the team that won first place in a competitive T3 Hackathon sponsored by TIAA this past summer. He and his fellow interns collaborated on a project that leverages language learning models and generative AI. Jordan describes this win as “a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the limitless possibilities that emerge when minds come together.” He has accepted an offer to work at Moody’s Analytics upon graduation.

Jordan Arroyo

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE IS NOW IN SESSION By the Florida Department of Education

The legislative session commenced in Tallahassee on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude on March 8, 2024. Workforce education remains a crucial policy focus for both the Governor and the Legislature. The division is actively monitoring several bills related to Career and Technical Education (CTE). Following the conclusion of the session, we will promptly update the field on any CTE-related legislation that has been successfully passed and signed into law by the Governor.

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER