By Staff ReportWashington County School District is receiving grant funding from the state to assist programs focused on cloud computing and virtualization, management and entrepreneurial principles, welding technology and other additional programs, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office announced Feb. 21.
WCSD is one of numerous school districts and colleges throughout Florida receiving portions of the funding, which comes to $25 million in total under a Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program.
“The initiative underscores Florida’s dedication to equipping students statewide with the essential skills required for success in high-demand occupations,” a news release said. “Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant funding provides Florida students with opportunities for hands-on educational experiences in a broad range of career and technical education programs such as automotive maintenance and light repair, digital video and technology, allied health assisting, criminal justice operations, entrepreneurship, emergency medical responder and many more.”
In a prepared statement, DeSantis said Florida has “become the number one state in the nation for talent development by making strategic investments in our workforce.”
“We will continue to equip students in our state with the skills they need to succeed, without being burdened by debt,” he added.
Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. said “Florida is strategically investing in workforce development, ensuring that our state remains at the forefront of innovation” under DeSantis’ leadership.
Other school districts receiving funding include Leon County, Miami-Dade County, and Santa Rosa.
Hannah Collins 
GARRETT VALCOURT