FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded more than $8 million through the Job Growth Grant Fund and of that, $908,000 awarded to Broward College.

The grant will fund the expansion of the Aviation Maintenance Accelerated Express Program (AvMaX), a transformative workforce solution designed to address the critical shortage of skilled aviation maintenance technicians. This 13-month, full-time program compresses the traditional 20-month program into an intensive, hands-on experience that prepares students for industry certification and rapid job placement in the aviation field. Cohorts include 20-25 students and have achieved a 100% retention rate from fall to spring.

“Broward College has a vision of being the number one destination for academic excellence, and the success of this program demonstrates how our graduates gain the necessary skills to join an industry that is highly in demand,” said President and CEO Torey Alston. “We are grateful for Governor DeSantis’ support for AvMaX, which helps fill jobs that are critically needed in Florida.”

The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. It has awarded more than $305 million since 2019 and created more than 41,000 new jobs and more than 32,000 new workforce education opportunities. Proposals are reviewed by Florida Commerce and are chosen by Governor DeSantis to meet the demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in Florida communities.

“AvMaX is a proven, scalable solution to a national workforce need,” said Dr. Steven Tinsley, Vice President, Workforce Solutions and Strategic Partnerships. “With continued investment, the program will expand access to quality training and contribute directly to closing the skilled labor gap in aviation maintenance.”

-BC-