DeSantis launches CORE emergency-management workforce program at FIU

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the official rollout of the Coalition for Operational Readiness and Education (CORE) at Florida International University, describing it as "a first of its kind initiative designed to strengthen the future of Florida's emergency management workforce." The program, DeSantis said, will align state agencies, public colleges and private partners to create career tracks in emergency response, cybersecurity, public administration and disaster preparedness.

DeSantis said the CORE program will partner with existing university programs — including FIU's Academy for International Disaster Preparedness — and with several state universities and colleges to create practical, credit-bearing opportunities that aim to place graduates into state and local emergency-management roles. "We're getting Florida DEM, we're getting the Florida Department of Education, Florida Commerce, higher education institutes, as well as private-sector partners," he said. FIU President Jeanette Nuñez and FDOT/DEM leadership also framed the initiative as a way to expand training for veterans, first responders and technical students.

The announcement follows the governor's description of recent multi-hazard responses that state officials said demonstrate the value of a trained workforce. DeSantis emphasized on-site training and operational experience: "We're creating opportunities for students to participate in real world disaster operations and see firsthand what it means to serve their communities during times of need." The administration listed 17 partners already engaged in the program and said more schools were in talks to join the coalition.