Investing in futures: The role of grants in advancing higher ed programs

Grants play a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding higher education initiatives, particularly in top career programs that prepare students for today’s most in-demand fields. These vital funds enable Seminole State College of Florida to develop innovative curricula, invest in cutting-edge technology, and provide essential resources that enrich the learning experience. 

Beyond enhancing program quality, grants also make higher education more accessible, offering scholarships and financial aid that empower students to pursue their career aspirations without the burden of overwhelming debt. Lastly, grants ensure that higher education remains a catalyst for individual success and workforce development, fueling growth in industries that drive our economy.

The Spring Term at Seminole State welcomes the awarding of several grants to be implemented in the months ahead in collaboration with essential partners to provide tools, resources and training necessary to thrive in emerging industries and meet demands and shape our collective future.

QUICKSTART Consortium 

(Quantum Integrated Cyber Knowledge Simulation, Training, Advanced Research, and Technology)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s national Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) is fueling the future of STEM education at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) with several grants aimed at driving innovation and diversity in nuclear security. 

The QUICKSTART grant, a subaward totaling $515,322, is possible through a long-term partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF) and is active through 2029.

The collaborative, multi-institutional program will develop a robust STEM workforce pipeline to place promising students in Department of Energy (DOE) careers related to nuclear security. Specifically, the QUICKSTART consortium will focus on disciplines such as cybersecurity (behavioral and technical), quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and other emerging technologies in the context of modeling, simulation, and training for nuclear security.

Seminole State will recruit and identify students from select degree programs for project participation including B.S. in Information Systems Technology, Cybersecurity Specialization, A.S. in Information Systems Technology, Cybersecurity Specialization, and A.S., Digital Media. The three programs enroll nearly 1,000 students annually and will provide a wide pool of candidates for selection based on interest and the established criteria for acceptance.

UCF will provide financial support for three to five Seminole State students annually who will participate in experiential learning activities offered at the College, UCF, and/or DOE laboratories. They will also help to bridge the technology gap for Seminole State students by providing laptops for participant use.

“Based on our long history of collaboration and existing pipelines of students between our institutions, Seminole State is well-positioned to promote research and career opportunities for our students from a variety of backgrounds and interest areas,” said Dr. Georgia Lorenz, president of Seminole State College.

These partnerships not only enhance the technical capabilities of MSIs but also foster career pathways for students from underrepresented communities in STEM fields.

CAP Grant 

(Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant)

The Florida Department of Education, under the leadership of Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr., awarded over $24 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program (Workforce CAP).

The Workforce CAP Grant Program is instrumental in establishing and expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that lead to industry-recognized certifications on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List. 

Seminole State College was awarded $780,995 in funding to assist programs focused on Automotive Service Management Technology and Network Systems Technology.

Under the leadership of Dr. Adam Stark, academic dean for the Center for Computer and Engineering Technology, a significant portion of this funding will be directed toward the expansion of the college's autonomous vehicle program, to prepare for the future of transportation.

This program will equip technicians with a strong foundation in electric vehicle technology, including battery systems and high-voltage safety protocols, as most autonomous vehicles are expected to be electric. Furthermore, it would delve into the intricate sensor networks that underpin autonomous driving, encompassing a deep understanding of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as LiDAR, radar, and camera systems, including their calibration and troubleshooting procedures.

This grant will augment the existing automotive technology program at Oviedo and Lyman high schools. Through equipment and training, the high school faculty will be able to offer a dual enrollment course for 24 students. 

Additionally, the grant will be leveraged through a long-term partnership with the City of Altamonte Springs. Strategic plans are in development to further the CraneRIDES AV first-of-its-kind pilot program with Beep Inc., provider of autonomous shared mobility solutions, to explore alternative transit modes and offer solutions for the changing economic and urban landscape in 2025 and beyond. 

A separate $2.7 million grant was awarded to Seminole County Public Schools to create the "Bear Brigade Fire Academy" at Winter Springs High School. The Bear Brigade Fire Academy will feature a comprehensive curriculum in firefighting beginning in ninth grade. In their senior year, students will transition to dual enrollment courses through Seminole State College. Graduates of the program will have a distinct advantage when applying to the Seminole State’s Fire Academy, providing a direct pathway to certification and career readiness in the fire and emergency services field. 

Aligning with the College's strategy, Seminole State is Your Learning Partner for Career Success, the community and state’s support of higher education through grants, allows the College to not only invest in the success of individual learners but also lay the foundation for a thriving, innovative workforce equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. 

As industries evolve and demand for specialized knowledge increases, grants play a critical role in bridging the gap between education and opportunity, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can access transformative career pathways. In doing so, grants not only fuel economic growth but also create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.