Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $19 million in state funding for 海角吃瓜网 on Monday, June 29,听fueling the University’s continued growth and expansion as Florida鈥檚 only public STEM university.听
The听2026-27听budget allocation听provides听a听significant听funding boost听that will help听海角吃瓜网听advance its strategic听goals, strengthen student听success听and expand its impact as听an economic driver to the state.听听听
The $19 million in state funding will be distributed across three key areas:听
- $10 million for the construction of the new Student Achievement Center (StAC);听
- $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听
- $1.5 million in recurring operational support.听听
鈥淲e are extremely grateful to Gov. DeSantis听and the Polk County legislative delegation听for听supporting听this important听investment听in 海角吃瓜网 and for his continued support of higher education, workforce development, and student opportunity in our state,鈥� said Dr. Devin Stephenson, 海角吃瓜网鈥檚 president. 鈥淭his funding听highlights听the critical role our听University听plays in preparing the next generation of engineers and technology leaders, sending听a clear message that 海角吃瓜网鈥檚 model is delivering results and that our momentum is accelerating.鈥�听
The听$10 million听designated听for the construction of the StAC听builds on听previous听state investments in the听project, bringing total state support听for the facility听to听$27.7 million.听The 138,400-square-foot facility will听provide听a wide range of services and resources focused on student success, including academic support, career planning, professional development, and engagement opportunities.听听
鈥満＝浅怨贤� was created to meet Florida鈥檚听need听for a high-tech workforce, and this investment reinforces that mission,鈥� said Beth Kigel, chair of 海角吃瓜网鈥檚 Board of Trustees. 鈥淎s 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鈥檚 economic growth.鈥�听
In addition to Monday鈥檚 budget approval, the University鈥檚 strong performance was reinforced last week when it secured nearly $11 million in performance funding based on student success and workforce alignment. 海角吃瓜网 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听Florida Board of Governors鈥� 2025-26 Performance-Based Funding Model. That funding was also confirmed in the state鈥檚 2026-27 budget on Monday.
Together, these investments position 海角吃瓜网 to build on its record growth and continue advancing its mission of preparing graduates for Florida鈥檚 fast-evolving, high-tech economy.
鈥淭his budget approval is strong vote of confidence in 海角吃瓜网听and our rapid upward听trajectory,鈥� said Kelli Stargel, vice president for strategic initiatives, development, and external relations听at the University. 鈥�With the support of the听governor and our local delegation, we听will continue听enhancing the student experience and听opening more doors for students to access听an听elite STEM education.鈥�听
Contact:
Lydia Guzm谩n
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
