Governor DeSantis awards Polk State a Workforce Capitalization Grant to develop agricultural technology partnerships
Governor Ron DeSantis visited Polk State College’s JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales on Wednesday to announce the award of $276,069 in Workforce Capitalization Grant funding from the Florida Department of Education to support innovative partnerships that will expand dual enrollment opportunities for high school students to gain hands-on experience in agricultural technology, including the use of drones and other emerging technologies.
The funding will support the acquisition of several unmanned aircraft systems to be used in agricultural programs through the College’s AgriPolk initiative. Students will also have the opportunity to receive certifications related to drone technology. It is particularly relevant to Lake Wales, where agriculture remains an important part of the community’s identity and economy.
“Florida is the number one state in the nation for workforce education because we have made historic investments in programs that prepare students for in-demand careers,” said Governor DeSantis. “This partnership will expand opportunities for Florida students to gain valuable technical skills while helping ensure our state has the skilled workforce needed to support innovation, strengthen our economy, and remain a national leader.”
Elevating opportunities in AgTech
This funding builds on Polk State’s commitment to developing innovative educational pathways that connect students with emerging career opportunities. It enhances AgriPolk, an
initiative launched in October 2025 that combines the Associate in Arts (AA) degree with specialized coursework, hands-on learning, and certification opportunities for students interested in agriculture. Through a partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in Polk County, AgriPolk provides a pathway for students to continue their education through the University of Florida’s agricultural programs. Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Henry Mack attended the event and highlighted the importance of connecting education with workforce needs.
“Preparing students for success means connecting education with the skills and knowledge that employers and communities need,” said Commissioner Mack. “By introducing high school students to agricultural technology and hands-on technical training, this partnership will create an opportunity for students to explore promising career pathways while earning college credit and a workforce certificate. Programs like this help ensure Florida students are prepared to contribute to our state’s growing economy.”
Polk State is also developing an Associate in Science (AS) in Precision Agriculture Technology degree program to prepare students for careers that apply advanced technology to modern agricultural operations. The new degree program will go before the College District Board of Trustees for approval on November 30.
The new AS degree complements the existing AgriPolk AA pathway by offering a direct, workforce-oriented technical credential. The initiatives are aligned with Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas’ Where Eagles Soar vision, which emphasizes workforce education, innovation, and partnerships that help students achieve their academic and career goals.
Access and opportunity in Lake Wales
Wednesday’s event also included the unveiling of new Florida Department of Transportation wayfinding signage designed to make the JD Alexander Center easier for students and families to locate and access.
“We are incredibly grateful to Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Education, and the Florida Department of Transportation for their continued support and investment in workforce education in our community and throughout our state,” said President Kamoutsas. “This partnership will create pathways that address the workforce needs of our communities and ensure that Polk County and Florida stay at the forefront of agricultural innovation.”
The College opened the JD Alexander Center in downtown Lake Wales in 2009 to expand access to affordable higher education in southeast Polk County. The Center was named in recognition of former Florida Senator JD Alexander’s contributions to bringing a Polk State campus to the community, including his role in securing the initial funding for the project. Over the years, the Center has helped students pursue higher education closer to home, reducing transportation and other barriers that can make college difficult to access.
“Expanding access to higher education has always been about creating opportunities for the people and communities of Polk County,” said Senator Alexander. “The JD Alexander Center was established to bring those opportunities closer to home for Lake Wales residents, and it is rewarding to see Polk State continue building on that foundation.”
The JD Alexander Center remains an important part of Polk State’s mission to provide accessible higher education and workforce training throughout Polk County, offering access to general education courses for the AA degree, dual enrollment, AgriPolk, Digital Media, and other educational opportunities.
A member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1998 to 2002 and the Florida Senate from 2002 to 2012, Alexander also led the creation of Florida Polytechnic University, which opened in Lakeland in 2014. Its main campus is named in Alexander’s honor. In July, Polk State and Florida Poly established the Eagle to Phoenix Pathway Program, which allows Polk State AA graduates to seamlessly transition to Florida Poly to earn a bachelor’s degree in one of 10 STEM-related fields.
“Senator Alexander has made a lasting impact on higher education in Polk County, helping create opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals close to home,” said President Kamoutsas. “His vision and commitment to this community helped lay the foundation for what the JD Alexander Center is today, and we are proud to continue building on that legacy by expanding access to innovative academic programs and workforce training that prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.”