PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Charlotte County Public Schools has received a significant boost with $1.4 million in grant funding aimed at establishing cutting-edge advanced manufacturing programs. This investment signals a promising shift toward innovative education in the community.
“This included $600,000 for Port Charlotte High School’s new advanced manufacturing program, which will kick off in August 2025, alongside Charlotte Technical College’s advanced manufacturing program set to begin in January 2026,” shared Brian Granstra, the Director of Career & Technical Education for Charlotte County Public Schools.
Charlotte Technical College is poised to offer a new advanced manufacturing program that will empower students with skills needed in an evolving job market.
The grant is made possible through the Florida Department of Education’s Workforce Capitalization Incentive Grant Program, reinforcing the state’s dedication to enhancing vocational training. Granstra mentioned, “Students will be using robots to create products for the space industry,” adding an exciting facet to the curriculum that highlights the importance of technological advancement in education.
You can catch more insights from Victoria Scott’s report at FOX 4 showcasing the impact of this grant on local students:
Charlotte County Public Schools receives $1.4 million grant
“We are the first school district in Florida to be recognized as a space academy school district,” Granstra noted. This designation ensures that programs are not only relevant but also tailored to meet the demands of Florida’s aerospace sector. Such initiatives resonate with the vision laid out by Governor DeSantis for workforce education in the state.
Granstra elaborated, “Our goal is to provide every student the freedom to choose their future—whether that’s employment, military service, or further education after graduation.” This commitment to student empowerment lays a strong foundation for the community’s future workforce.
Local businesses like Vestas aircoil U.S. in Punta Gorda have expressed a keen interest in participating in this new vocational training program. This company specializes in manufacturing aircoils used in cruise ships and cargo freighters, demonstrating the diverse industrial landscape present in the region.
“We’re a relatively new manufacturer here and our operations are expanding,” remarked Christopher Bergljung, General Manager of Vestas aircoil U.S. “Having partners like Charlotte Technical College to cultivate the technical skills of our incoming team is critical.” This collaboration underscores the symbiotic relationship between education and industry, a dynamic that can significantly enhance job prospects for students.
Granstra explained that students in high school who opt for dual enrollment at Charlotte Technical College will enjoy the benefit of tuition-free education. In contrast, adult learners who have already graduated will face tuition costs estimated at $5,000 to $6,000 each year—an investment in their futures.
As the community gears up for this new educational era, it invites reflection on how such programs can shape not only individual lives but the economic landscape of Port Charlotte itself. With industries evolving, skills training that focuses on advanced technology, like robotics for space applications, positions students at the forefront of innovation.
In the end, this initiative represents much more than a mere grant. It’s a pivotal moment for Charlotte County, a chance to inspire a generation and make meaningful connections between education, industry, and the broader aspirations of its community.
