Florida Polytechnic University, in Lakeland, has secured $5.7 million in the upcoming state budget for a new Student Achievement Center, to fund the project’s preliminary design stage.
The funding was included in the 2024-25 fiscal year budget. The budget will take effect July 1. DeSantis vetoed one Florida Poly line item — $3 million for STEM program enhancements at the school — but left the larger funding item for the Student Achievement Center intact.
The new funding will come from the state’s Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) program.
“We’re very excited about what the Student Achievement Center will mean for the future of our students and their success academically, personally and professionally,” Florida Poly President Randy Avent said. “We appreciate Gov. DeSantis’ leadership and the Legislature’s ongoing support of Florida Poly and our strong STEM mission.”
The center will provide space for students to enhance success including accommodations for career and internship services.
It will include study space, an auditorium and collaborative multimedia space, as well as space for faculty and staff looking to help students successfully complete their degree programs and move into the workforce.
Florida Poly also received a $3 million increase to its operating budget, funds that will help the school expand academic programs and student services.