CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 28, 2025) - Charlotte County Economic Development Office presented the Excellence in Business Award to Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS) for outstanding innovation in workforce development and community leadership.
Through its commitment to the Portrait of a Graduate framework, CCPS ensures that every student graduates with more than just a diploma, they leave with a plan for the future. This plan centers around the Three Es: Employment, Enrollment, or Enlistment, empowering students to take charge of their career path and contribute to Charlotte County’s long-term prosperity.
CCPS offers industry-aligned magnet programs that connect students to local employers, including Aviation Assembly and Fabrication at Charlotte High School, Applied Cybersecurity at Lemon Bay High School, and Automation and Robotics Technology at Port Charlotte High School. These programs, supported by Charlotte Technical College, provide certifications and training that meet regional workforce needs.
The district’s efforts have already influenced economic development. NAS MRO, a global aircraft maintenance company building a new facility at Punta Gorda Airport, cited the local A&P program as a key factor in its site selection decision. The project will bring hundreds of high-wage aviation jobs to the area.
Charlotte County Public Schools continues to serve as a cornerstone of workforce readiness and economic vitality, ensuring students are prepared to contribute to the community’s long-term prosperity.
For information, contact Maria Vastola at 941-764-4942 or maria.vastola@charlottecountyfl.gov.
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