The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) held its commencement ceremony for the 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 university's deliberate growth strategy to prepare innovative leaders in fields driven by technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. According to the university, these graduates strengthen company competitiveness and contribute to economic development in Florida and Puerto Rico.
The Orlando Campus, located at 550 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, directly supports Goal #4 of PUPR's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan: expansion, positioning and strategic alliances. In meetings with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce and chambers of commerce, the university identified market priorities including specialized continuing education, STEM talent development, advanced entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, construction management and talent recruitment. Its academic offerings and alliances connect students with opportunities from day one.
"At the Polytechnic University, academia connects with industry to turn knowledge into opportunities. On our 60th Anniversary, the Orlando Campus demonstrates that our educational model transcends borders and prepares leaders ready to compete, drive digital transformation and move the economy of the future," said Ernesto Vázquez Martínez, President of PUPR.
The campus recently formalized five strategic memoranda of understanding 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, employment opportunities and joint solutions for industry and government.
"Each alliance we sign in Central Florida opens a concrete connection for our students and graduates," said Dr. Lilliam Román, Director of the Orlando Campus. "Our objective is to consolidate the Orlando Campus as a benchmark for STEM and business education with real opportunities for employment, internships, applied innovation and professional development."
The graduation comes one year after the inauguration of the Aerospace Engineering Laboratory at the Orlando Campus, a $2.9 million facility featuring a jet engine for testing, autonomous vehicle research lab, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, flight simulators, 3D printers and aerospace software. This positions Orlando as a key node for Florida's aerospace industry.
PUPR reports strong outcomes: 74% of undergraduate alumni are already employed, 79% of graduate alumni are employed, 86% work full time, 72% earn salaries above $45,000 annually, and 71% work in the U.S. private sector.
The Orlando Campus offers a bilingual profile and flexible modalities—in-person, hybrid and online—with a trimester calendar. It holds a 4-star rating in the international 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.
