Partnership in Space
An EFSC partnership with Lockheed Martin is playing
an important role in helping the company build NASA’s
Orion spacecraft for the human exploration of deep
space. (Student Enrollment, Diversity Initiatives,
Community Awareness)
• Students studying for their Associate in Science Degree in
Aerospace Technology are serving apprenticeships with
Lockheed on the Orion project, giving them a gateway to
space careers and providing Lockheed a pipeline of skilled
workers.
• Since the program began three years ago, 36 students have
secured apprenticeships and Lockheed Martin hired 34
after graduation.
• The partnership is an example of the College working
hand-in-hand with the aerospace industry to help chart the
next-generation of human spaceflight.
• Matthew Mudrak, who graduated with his A.S. Degree in
2016, served an apprenticeship and now works on Orion.
He called his involvement life changing.
• “I take pride in knowing that everything I’m doing is moving
us forward as a nation,” he said. “It’s awesome to be part
of something so much bigger than yourself.”
• The program’s genesis dates to after the shuttle’s last flight
in 2011 when many veteran space workers left the program
and many of those who remained were aging.
• Lockheed realized it needed new talent, and reached out to
the College to set up the program.
• Three groups of students a year serve apprenticeships,
working 30-hours a week for four months doing hands-on
Orion work under the guidance of mentors.
• Gov. Ron DeSantis praised the program during a bill
signing at Kennedy Space Center, calling it a model to build
Florida’s high-tech workforce.
Collegiate High School
EFSC and Brevard Public School District continued their
close cooperation in the successful Collegiate High
School Program, increasing the number of dual enrolled
students graduating with their high school diplomas and
Associate in Arts degrees. (Student Enrollment, Diversity
Initiatives, Financial Management)
2019 College Accomplishments
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