Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $7.2 million to St. Petersburg College today through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) and the Workforce Development Capitalization Grant Program. The funds will help establish the Semiconductor, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning Training for Technicians (SMART Tech) 4.0 lab.
The allocation includes $3.2 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and $4 million from the Workforce Development Capitalization Grant Program. These funds will be used to purchase equipment, hire personnel, build facilities, and acquire training materials for the college.
“Today’s investments in St. Petersburg College’s SMART Tech 4.0 lab reinforce Florida’s spot as the #1 state for talent development,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We are committed to investing in opportunities that help students develop the skills necessary to land high-wage jobs and become leaders in industry.”
“These strategic investments made by Governor DeSantis give students the opportunity to learn in fields that are essential for our state’s growth in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “The funds will also help the college utilize portable equipment in existing spaces, allowing them to host SMART Tech-related classes while the lab is under construction.”
“Providing students with a quality education that will lead to future opportunities is vital to building a strong workforce,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida is well on its way to surpassing the goal to be the number one state for workforce education by the year 2030.”
Semiconductors and advanced manufacturing are target industries for Florida. Over the past two years, nearly $400 million has been invested into growing these sectors within the state.
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund promotes public infrastructure and workforce training across Florida by reviewing proposals chosen by Governor DeSantis based on community needs for workforce training or infrastructure improvements.
The Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Program offers grants to school districts and institutions within the Florida College System, covering costs associated with creating or expanding career and technical education workforce development programs.
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