State Grant Funds Drone Training at Polk State
Florida high school students in agricultural technology can access new dual enrollment and drone certifications through the AgriPolk initiative.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Financial Aid
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $276,069 Workforce Capitalization Grant to Polk State College to fund unmanned aircraft systems for its agricultural programs. The grant supports the AgriPolk initiative, which expands dual enrollment in agricultural technology for high school students.
Why it matters
For Florida students interested in agricultural technology, the grant expands access to dual enrollment and drone-related certifications at no cost to the grant's stated scope, lowering the financial barrier to hands-on training. It also signals state investment in precision agriculture careers as a pathway into a growing field.
The Workforce Capitalization Grant totals $276,069 from the Florida Department of Education. The source does not list student eligibility criteria or the number of students expected to benefit.
The players
Florida Department of Education
The state agency that administers Workforce Capitalization Grants, including this award to Polk State College.
Polk State College
A public Florida college in Polk County that serves students through associate degrees and dual enrollment programs.
Ron DeSantis
The Governor of Florida who announced the grant at a news conference in Lake Wales.
The details
The grant pays for acquisition of several unmanned aircraft systems used in Polk State's agricultural programs under the AgriPolk initiative, launched in October 2025. Those systems will expand dual enrollment for high school students in agricultural technology, and students can earn certifications related to drone technology. AgriPolk also includes a pathway to University of Florida agricultural programs through a partnership with the UF IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in Polk County. Polk State is developing an associate in science degree in precision agriculture technology, which goes before the College District Board of Trustees for approval on Nov. 30.
Timeline
October 2025: Polk State launched the AgriPolk initiative.
Nov. 4, 2026: Governor DeSantis announced the $276,069 grant at a news conference.
Nov. 30, 2026: The precision agriculture degree goes before the Board of Trustees for approval.
Education Landscape
State workforce grants like this one aim to connect public college programs with career fields that employers in Florida are hiring for. The AgriPolk award shows that investment is moving into agricultural technology and drone-based precision farming.
Students interested in agricultural technology may find new dual enrollment options at Polk State if the AgriPolk expansion proceeds as planned. Prospective students can ask the college's financial-aid office how grant-funded programs are paid for and whether the new degree will be eligible for aid.
The takeaway
State workforce grants can reduce the cost of career-focused programs, so students in agriculture or technology should watch for new dual enrollment openings. Ask the financial-aid office at your college whether a grant-funded program qualifies for aid before you enroll.
What happens next
The precision agriculture technology degree goes before the College District Board of Trustees for approval on Nov. 30.
Further reading
For more on how grants like this one reach students, explore Financial Aid coverage on Scholaroo.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Ledger.
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