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Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) Division launched the 2025-26 school year with a high-energy Back-to-School CTE Conference attended by more than 400 CTE teachers.
The event, themed “Flavors of Success – Crafting Excellence in CTE,” celebrated innovation, industry alignment, and the educators driving student achievement across the district.
The conference’s keynote speaker, Dr. Carrie Curtis, a national leader in workforce development, delivered a powerful address on the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) — the nationwide network of shipyards, manufacturers, and suppliers that design, build, and maintain the U.S. Navy’s fleet — and its critical role in national security. Her message also connected to the BuildSubmarines.com campaign, a national workforce initiative linking skilled talent to high-demand jobs in submarine construction and maritime industries.
A local commitment to a national mission
Dr. Curtis’ address built on Miami-Dade’s growing investment in maritime career education. In 2023, the Miam-Dade County School Board, led by Dr. Steve Gallon III, passed a resolution to formally establish Maritime Career Pathways — giving students access to training in shipbuilding, submarine construction, port logistics, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
“Miami-Dade CTE is proud to offer students access to pathways that connect directly to industries driving our nation’s economy and security,” said Dr. Lupe Diaz, director of Career and Technical Education. “Our Maritime Industrial Pathway curriculum integrated into diverse CTE pathways, using Learning Blade, not only prepares students for high-demand careers; it positions them to be part of something bigger — supporting a mission that matters to our country’s future.”
A national workforce need
According to Dr. Curtis’ keynote, the U.S. Navy projects that 250,000 jobs will be created in boat building and its supply chain over the next decade to meet critical national defense needs. The Maritime Industrial Base — spanning more than 20,000 suppliers across all 50 states — essential to building and maintaining the Navy’s next generation of submarines.
“The Maritime Industrial Base is one of the most exciting and mission-driven sectors in America today,” Dr. Curtis said. “Through BuildSubmarines.com and Miami-Dade’s Maritime Industrial Pathway, we are not only training the next generation of shipbuilders and engineers — we are safeguarding our national security while creating life-changing career opportunities for our students.”
Inspiring the next generation early
To build interest long before students graduate, Miami-Dade also announced the rollout of Learning Blade, powered by eDynamic Learning, and its “Beneath the Waves: Building Submarines” mission in middle schools. Developed in collaboration with the Maritime Industrial Base and BlueForge Alliance, this digital STEM program immerses students in the skills, technology, and career possibilities behind building submarines.
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” said Joshua Sneideman, vice president of Learning Blade. “We are excited to support Miami-Dade students and teachers as they explore the amazing careers that sustain our nation’s Navy. The ‘Beneath the Waves’ mission is more than a lesson — it’s an invitation for young people to see themselves in roles that protect our country and advance cutting-edge technology.”
About Maritime Industrial Base
The U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program is focused on revitalizing the American shipbuilding and repair capabilities. This involves strengthening the industrial base that builds and maintains naval vessels, including surface ships, aircraft carriers, and submarines. The program addresses critical needs in workforce development, supply chain resilience, and modernization of facilities and infrastructure.
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