Florida State University’s Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) project is a 10-year $400M initiative led by the President, VP of Research, and the Office of the Provost, in partnership with FSU Office of Research, College of Engineering, and Learning Systems Institute (LSI). The project aims to expand the economic development of the panhandle’s Gulf Coast counties through building infrastructure and educational opportunities focused on advanced manufacturing and aerospace engineering.

The endeavor will build physical infrastructure, including an aerospace and advanced manufacturing research facility in Panama City, and expand community partnerships and opportunities. The project also includes a K-20 educational and workforce development team and STEM outreach led by the Learning Systems Institute with the goal of training at least 1,000 teachers and provide over 5,000 industry certifications to participants who participate in LSI’s innovative approach to professional learning and workforce development.

LSI’s history and capacity to transform education across Florida and globally will lead to new developments within professional learning, building a prepared workforce and InSPIREd communities across the panhandle of Florida. LSI will InSPIRE and advance teachers and students through industry certifications, curriculum, and professional learning. InSPIRE aims to create an environment for change by developing InSPIRE school incentives, supporting community outreach, and providing multiple pathways for continual learning. Additionally, through InSPIRE LSI is committed to providing exceptional and unparalleled opportunities for military families, including comprehensive after-school and summer programs designed to enrich and enhance students’ educational experiences while simultaneously providing military spouses with comprehensive workforce training opportunities.

LSI’s programs, such as the Summer of InSPIRE 2024 pilot features a course in AI-Powered Storytelling that will engage educators in exciting and cutting-edge fields like aerospace exploration and AI foundations.  The AI-Powered Storytelling program will engage primary school teachers in creating resources to inspire students in aerospace exploration, leveraging AI, prompt engineering, and machine learning training activities. Ongoing K-20 programs and courses will respond to industry and teachers' needs and always aim to involve elementary teachers in long-term research-based professional learning, creating enthusiasm and engagement that will affect students’ path and options as they progress into the workforce.

InSPIRE presents many opportunities for collaboration across all areas of education, including research, grad and undergrad student opportunities, and teacher support infrastructure. Partner with InSPIRE to invest in the future of education and empower the next generation of learners. Join us in creating an InSPIREd future for education.