Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University have agreed to establish a new joint Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program.
The presidents of both schools signed an agreement Thursday at the Florida Poly campus in Lakeland that will allow Polk State students to complete their Associate in Arts Degree at that campus and then transfer to one of 10 bachelor’s programs at the university. Florida Poly is the only public university in the state exclusively dedicated to STEM programs.
Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas said the accord strengthens the partnership between the two schools.
“Today’s signing marks a truly historic moment for Polk State and the students we serve,” he said.
“By guaranteeing acceptance to 10 high-demand programs at Florida Poly, we are removing barriers and providing our students a clear, confident path to their bachelor’s degrees. This partnership will transform lives, strengthen families and help build a strong, more innovative Florida for generations to come.”
The “Eagle to Phoenix Pathway” program for students is an offshoot of a 2019 partnership between the schools that creates the pathway for transfer students. They’ll be able to assimilate into 10 bachelor’s programs including aerospace engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computer engineering, cybersecurity, environmental engineering and physics.
“This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when higher education institutions unite around a shared commitment to student success,” said Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson.
“The Eagle to Phoenix Pathway program expands access to a world-class education while strengthening the pipeline of highly skilled talent our state needs. Together, we are creating more opportunities for students to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.”
The signing ceremony brought students, community supporters, industry partners and institutional leaders to celebrate the partnership announced and signed at the Florida Poly Barnett Applied Research Center on that campus. The pathway program is specifically targeting increasing demand for career-ready STEM professionals in various industries.