Broward County Public Schools will introduce an Aerospace/Aircraft Assembler Innovative Program at Coral Springs High School for the 2026-27 school year, a district announcement confirmed Monday. The program is designed to give students from grades nine through 12 practical, career-focused instruction in aircraft assembly, metalworking and technical drafting tied to industry standards.
Local industry partners help shape curriculum
The program was developed in partnership with CTS Engines, a South Florida-based company that specializes in maintenance, repair and overhaul of commercial aircraft engines, and with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. District officials said CTS Engines initiated the collaboration, approaching Coral Springs High to assist in training the next generation of aviation professionals.
"Through the partnership, students will gain exposure to real-world aerospace and aviation career pathways."
According to the district's Magnet & Innovative Programs Department, CTS Engines will provide industry insight, mentorship opportunities and potential connections to internships and career exploration experiences. Embry-Riddle's involvement adds a postsecondary pathway component for students considering continued education in aviation and aerospace.
Certifications and career pathways
Students enrolled in the program can earn industry-recognized certifications aligned with standards from the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT). The district said program graduates will be better prepared to pursue:
- Direct employment in aerospace and aviation trades;
- Technical training or apprenticeships;
- Military aviation pathways;
- Postsecondary education in aeronautics and related fields.
Hands-on classroom instruction will emphasize aircraft assembly techniques, metalworking and technical drafting. The district noted that students may also gain internship experience through partner connections, offering workplace exposure before graduation.
Who is eligible and academic expectations
The program is open to students in grades 9–12 through an application process. The district specified academic thresholds for applicants, including a minimum 2.5 GPA and specific assessment scores on state standardized tests.
| Eligibility Requirement | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Grade level | 9–12 |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 |
| FAST English Language Arts | Level 3 or higher |
| BEST Mathematics | Level 3 or higher |
Those standards reflect the district's effort to ensure participating students are academically prepared to succeed in technical coursework and certification pathways.
Local context and workforce implications
Coral Springs and Broward County sit within a South Florida region where aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work is a growing sector. District officials framed the new program as a response to increasing workforce demand and community interest in aerospace careers. By embedding certification-aligned instruction and industry mentorship into the high school experience, the district aims to shorten the time between graduation and entry into skilled jobs.
The program's launch also highlights a broader trend in Broward County Public Schools to expand career-technical offerings that link secondary education to in-demand regional industries. For Coral Springs families, the new program provides a local option for students who want direct exposure to aviation trades without immediately leaving home for postsecondary training.
Enrollment details, application deadlines and the number of seats available for the inaugural 2026-27 cohort were not disclosed in the district release. Parents and students interested in applying are advised to contact Coral Springs High School or the district's Magnet & Innovative Programs Department for updated information.
