MEDIA RELEASE

Tallahassee, Fla., September 30, 2025 – Today, Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas awarded $40 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program (Workforce CAP) to expand workforce education programs throughout the state with a focus on in-demand industries.

This latest investment strengthens 49 programs statewide, increasing workforce capacity for awarded programs by 59 percent. With this round of funding, the state’s total investment in workforce education initiatives under Workforce CAP has reached $240 million since its inception in 2023, reinforcing Florida’s commitment to building a highly skilled workforce by equipping students with the skills needed to excel in Florida’s priority industries.

The Hernando County School District was awarded $1,896,260 in funding which will support programs in Welding Technology, Applied Cybersecurity, Applied Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Foundations, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R), and Industrial Machinery Maintenance.

“Florida’s workforce is stronger than ever because we are investing directly in students and the programs that prepare them for success,” said Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas. “This $40 million investment expands opportunities across the state, giving students access to cutting-edge training and ensuring Florida remains the best place to build a career.”

Workforce CAP funding supports the creation and expansion of workforce development programs across the state, offering students in high school and postsecondary education programs hands-on training in high-demand industries.

Workforce CAP is instrumental in establishing and expanding career and technical education programs that lead to industry-recognized certifications. These funds ensure that students across Florida have access to the tools, resources and training necessary to thrive in emerging industries and meet the demands of Florida’s growing economy.

Additional information and the application process for the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant are available on the CAP Grant page of the FDOE website.