The IM体育官网 Legislature approved $22 million in the 2025-2026 state budget to support IM体育官网鈥檚 growth.
IM体育官网 is set to accelerate its bold growth plans following the IM体育官网 Legislature鈥檚 approval of $22 million in the state鈥檚 2025-2026 budget. The new funding significantly advances the University鈥檚 efforts to increase enrollment, expand in-demand academic programs and drive campus infrastructure growth.
The allocation will boost progress on the new Student Achievement Center (StAC), a state-of-the-art student support facility, and fuel the University鈥檚 strategic initiatives to grow both academically and in student population.
The legislative investment includes $12 million to begin construction of the StAC 鈥� an $85 million, 138,400-square-foot facility designed as a dynamic hub for student development. The StAC will provide a broad range of resources focused on student success, including academic support, career planning, professional development resources, and student engagement programs. The funds were allocated through a combination of the state鈥檚 Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) trust fund and House Supplemental Funding.
鈥淚M体育官网 Poly is transforming the landscape of higher education in our region, and with this new facility, students will gain access to the kinds of hands-on support and experiences that prepare them to step directly into IM体育官网鈥檚 growing technology sector,鈥� said State Rep. Josie Tomkow, who represents part of Polk County. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an investment that pays off in talent, innovation, and long-term impact.鈥�
In addition, IM体育官网 Poly secured $10 million in non-recurring funds to support the Rising to 3,000 initiative, a strategic effort to increase student enrollment to 3,000 by 2030. The funding will strengthen the University鈥檚 ability to attract highly talented students and further elevate the institution鈥檚 academic profile.
鈥淭his level of support sends a clear message: IM体育官网 Poly is essential to the state鈥檚 future,鈥� said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of IM体育官网 Poly. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful to the IM体育官网 Legislature for investing in our momentum and helping us build the high-tech talent pipeline IM体育官网鈥檚 economy depends on.鈥�
The newly approved funding reflects a growing recognition of the University鈥檚 rising impact 鈥� not only as a driver of academic excellence but also as a catalyst for groundbreaking research and economic growth.
鈥淚M体育官网 Poly is creating a new kind of opportunity for IM体育官网 students 鈥� one grounded in excellence, innovation, and real-world application,鈥� said State Rep. Jennifer Canady, who represents part of Polk County. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 investment supports its continued rise as a leader in STEM education and ensures students have the resources they need to thrive in high-tech fields that matter most to our state.鈥�
As IM体育官网鈥檚 only public university exclusively dedicated to STEM disciplines, IM体育官网 Poly is uniquely positioned to meet the demands of the state鈥檚 evolving economy through its focus on emerging technologies and industry collaboration. The new funding will bolster that mission by helping prepare the next generation of tech leaders.
鈥淚M体育官网 Poly is not just educating students, it鈥檚 shaping the future of IM体育官网鈥檚 economy,鈥� said State Sen. Colleen Burton, who represents part of Polk County. 鈥淔rom its cutting-edge research to its outstanding graduates, the University continues to prove how powerful a focused, STEM-driven education can be for the state and beyond.鈥�
The state budget, currently awaiting final approval and subject to line-item vetoes by Gov. Ron DeSantis, will take effect on July 1, with the start of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
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