FLORIDA’S FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE The Florida Department of Children and Families has launched a Father First website as part of a new fatherhood initiative. The initiative includes educational programs, mentorship programs and one-on-one support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood.
MENTORING One million dollars has been invested to enhance mentoring programs for Florida’s youths at seven organizations that have partnered with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. This expands the $12.8 million already appropriated through the Florida Department of Children and Families, as well as for the Hope Florida initiative of the Guardian ad Litem Office.
MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL Florida lawmakers and education leaders from other states took a final tour of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on October 16th. Demolition of the school, where 17 students and educators were shot to death on Valentine’s Day 2018, is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2024.
APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Florida Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant program has awarded $14.4 million to 57 apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs throughout the state. High schools, school district career centers or colleges, school district charter technical career colleges, Florida College System institutions, and other eligible entities will facilitate on-the-job training and classroom instruction for students.
PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY The Florida Board of Governors removed the principles of sociology class from Florida’s list of general education core courses. University students are required to take five general education core courses, which includes communication, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Students may still take the course, but it will no longer be counted toward the general education requirement.