Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $19 million in state funding for Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, June 29, fueling the University’s continued growth and expansion as Florida’s only public STEM university.
The 2026-27 budget allocation provides a significant funding boost that will help Florida Poly advance its strategic goals, strengthen student success and expand its impact as an economic driver to the state.
The $19 million in state funding will be distributed across three key areas:
- $10 million for the construction of the new Student Achievement Center (StAC);
- $7.5 million in nonrecurring funding to fuel the University’s “Rising to 3,000” strategic initiative, which aims to reach an enrollment of 3,000 students by 2030; and
- $1.5 million in recurring operational support.
“We are extremely grateful to Gov. DeSantis and the Polk County legislative delegation for supporting this important investment in Florida Poly and for his continued support of higher education, workforce development, and student opportunity in our state,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president. “This funding highlights the critical role our University plays in preparing the next generation of engineers and technology leaders, sending a clear message that Florida Poly’s model is delivering results and that our momentum is accelerating.”
The $10 million designated for the construction of the StAC builds on previous state investments in the project, bringing total state support for the facility to $27.7 million. The 138,400-square-foot facility will provide a wide range of services and resources focused on student success, including academic support, career planning, professional development, and engagement opportunities.
“Florida Poly was created to meet Florida’s need for a high-tech workforce, and this investment reinforces that mission,” said Beth Kigel, chair of Florida Poly’s Board of Trustees. “As we continue expanding strong partnerships with industry and applied research opportunities, we are ensuring our graduates are prepared to solve real-world challenges and help drive Florida’s economic growth.”
In addition to Monday’s budget approval, the University’s strong performance was reinforced last week when it secured nearly $11 million in performance funding based on student success and workforce alignment. Florida Poly earned a score of 87 out of 100, a 13-point increase over the previous year and the largest one-year performance gain among all state universities in the Florida Board of Governors’ 2025-26 Performance-Based Funding Model. That funding was also confirmed in the state’s 2026-27 budget on Monday.
Together, these investments position Florida Poly to build on its record growth and continue advancing its mission of preparing graduates for Florida’s fast-evolving, high-tech economy.
“This budget approval is strong vote of confidence in Florida Poly and our rapid upward trajectory,” said Kelli Stargel, vice president for strategic initiatives, development, and external relations at the University. “With the support of the governor and our local delegation, we will continue enhancing the student experience and opening more doors for students to access an elite STEM education.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
