Graduates of Polk State College will have expanded opportunities to transfer into Florida Polytechnic University.
The two schools have entered into an articulation agreement, establishing the Eagle to Phoenix Pathway program, Florida Poly said in a news release. Polk State President Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas and Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson signed the agreement on July 30 at the Florida Poly campus in Lakeland.
Under the agreement, Polk State students can complete an associate in arts degree and all required prerequisites on the college’s campuses before seamlessly transferring to one of 10 targeted bachelor’s degree programs at Florida Poly, the university said in a news release.
The agreement builds on a 2019 partnership that created a transfer pathway to only one Florida Poly bachelor’s degree, the release said. Students will now be able to transfer into one of 10 bachelor’s programs.
The available pathways include aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering and physics.
Under the statewide 2+2 articulation system, associate in arts graduates from state or community colleges are guaranteed admission to a state university. The agreement ensures acceptance into specific Florida Poly programs.
“Today’s signing marks a truly historic moment for Polk State and the students we serve,” Kamoutsas said in the release. “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.”
Florida Poly, which opened in 2014, is the only state university exclusively dedicated to STEM — science, technology, engineering and math.
“This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when higher education institutions unite around a shared commitment to student success,” Stephenson said. “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.”
Mason McRae, a prospective participant and Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School student, attended the signing event. McRae is completing engineering technology courses at Polk State.
“With Florida Poly and Polk State partnering for this program, it lays out my college plans and provides a seamless transfer for a specialized engineering pathway,” said McRae, who plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering.
After graduation, he hopes to continue to a career as a fixed-wing jet mechanic with the Air Force Reserves and eventually become a NASA propulsion engineer, the release said.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk State grads can now transfer into 10 Florida Polytechnic programs
Reporting by Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lakeland Ledger | USA TODAY Network
