Florida Governor Rick Scott held a press conference in conjunction with his signing of SB 1076 which will provide middle and high school students an opportunity to obtain certifications in various STEM related fields. Florida Polytechnic University COO Ava Parker participated in the event as did state university presidents Machen (UF), Baron (FSU), Robinson (FAMU) and Bense (UWF).
The bill also addresses talent retention programs. The Chancellor of the State University System, along with the Commissioner of Education will support a program that encourages middle and high school students with an interest in or aptitude for physics or mathematics to continue their education at a state university that has excellent departments in the field.
Because of its focus on technology and engineering, Florida Poly plans to establish partnerships with schools that offer those certifications and recruit those students to attend the university. Florida Poly administrators will work with partner schools to help ensure that the high school curricula provide an appropriate educational foundation for entry into the university.
The bill clearly align’s with Florida Poly’s mission of collaborating with industry partners and preparing students to assume available leadership positions in the dynamic technological landscape in Florida, the nation, and the world.
