ORLANDO, FL — The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) celebrated the commencement ceremony of its Orlando Campus on July 9, 2026, marking a milestone in its 60th anniversary. The graduating class, comprising professionals in engineering, business administration, and technology, exemplifies the institution's deliberate growth strategy: to prepare innovative, competitive leaders ready to thrive in an environment shaped by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and technological advancement.
The Orlando Campus, established in 2003, has become a platform where academia connects with industry. The graduation aligns with Goal #4 of the university's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on expansion, positioning, and strategic alliances. Through meetings with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) and chambers of commerce, PUPR identified key market priorities: specialized continuing education, STEM talent development, advanced entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and aerospace. These priorities are reflected in the campus's academic offerings and partnerships, which connect students with real-world opportunities from day one.
In recent months, the Orlando Campus formalized five strategic memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with organizations including the Hispanic Metro Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Puerto Rico College of Engineers and Land Surveyors (Florida Chapter), the Office of Senator Rick Scott, the Central Florida Contractors Association, and SVG Institute. These alliances facilitate continuing education, internships, and employment opportunities through BMA Group, replicating the university-industry-government linkage model that has distinguished PUPR since its founding.
A key differentiator for the campus is its Aerospace Engineering Laboratory, inaugurated in April 2025 with a $2.9 million investment. The lab features a jet engine for testing, autonomous vehicle research, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, flight simulators, and advanced 3D printers. It positions Orlando as a strategic node for Florida's aerospace industry, addressing one of PUPR's identified market priorities.
Outcome data underscore the value proposition: 74% of undergraduate alumni and 79% of graduate alumni are employed, with 86% working full-time and 72% earning salaries above $45,000 annually. The campus leverages a bilingual faculty and flexible academic modalities (in-person, hybrid, and online) to serve active professionals. The institution holds a 4-star rating in the QS Stars system and is designated as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
This graduation is part of PUPR's transition toward what it calls the University of the New Century: a scalable educational platform where knowledge transforms into opportunities. With each new alliance and laboratory, the Orlando Campus advances its goal of becoming a recognized STEM benchmark in Central Florida and beyond.
