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The Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center at Florida Polytechnic University. The university’s new PSAIL initiative will expand its student-powered Security Operations Center to the building’s second floor | Courtesy Florida Polytechnic University
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Florida Polytechnic University has received $2.9 million in federal funding to create a new cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) facility designed to expand hands-on training for students in Polk County.
The funding will support the university’s Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL) in Florida Poly’s student-powered Security Operations Center (SOC) launched this fall.
“This investment empowers our students and faculty to lead in the development of real-world cybersecurity and AI solutions,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Devin Stephenson.
This funding will help the SOC expand to the second floor of the university’s Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center. Florida Poly’s SOC has already given students experience with threat identification, product development, and code and internal policy reviews — replicating the work of professional security analysts.
PSAIL will support cybersecurity monitoring, network operations, applied AI prototyping, and targeted research projects tied to real operational needs. Students may help identify suspicious login attempts, unusual activity on university devices, or phishing emails — then work with mentors to investigate what happened.
“The focus will be on practical problems where students can see how their work makes a difference,” said Cole Allen, Florida Poly’s Vice President of Information Technology and CIO.
“PSAIL gives us the space, infrastructure, and tools to expand that model, add network operations, and integrate applied research alongside day-to-day security monitoring,” Allen said.
This funding will help the SOC expand to the second floor of the university’s Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center. Florida Poly’s SOC has already given students experience with threat identification, product development, and code and internal policy reviews — replicating the work of professional security analysts.
PSAIL will support cybersecurity monitoring, network operations, applied AI prototyping, and targeted research projects tied to real operational needs. Students may help identify suspicious login attempts, unusual activity on university devices, or phishing emails — then work with mentors to investigate what happened.
“The focus will be on practical problems where students can see how their work makes a difference,” said Cole Allen, Florida Poly’s Vice President of Information Technology and CIO.
“PSAIL gives us the space, infrastructure, and tools to expand that model, add network operations, and integrate applied research alongside day-to-day security monitoring,” Allen said.
Allen said the SOC program has already demonstrated that students can play a meaningful role in real cybersecurity work.
“PSAIL strengthens connections between students, employers, and public-service partners in the region, helping create a pipeline where talent can stay, grow, and contribute to the local economy after graduation.”
Interior lobby of the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center with curved wood ceiling panels, seating areas, and large windows. | Courtesy Florida Polytechnic University
Cybersecurity as a growth industry in Polk
Local employment in Polk County remains concentrated in retail, health care, and transportation — fields that traditionally pay less than high-demand technology jobs, according to the United Community Indicators dashboard.
Regional economic development efforts also highlight research and technology as growing areas of opportunity: Polk is part of the Florida High Tech Corridor, and local development organizations are focused on attracting high-skill, high-wage industries and job creation, according to the Central Florida Development Council.
With federal funding now scaling the PSAIL program, university leaders say the lab positions Polk County to grow a stronger pipeline for high-skill, high-wage cybersecurity, and AI careers.
“Florida Poly’s continued growth and excellence have made it a key innovation hub here in FL-18,” said U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin of Florida’s 18th Congressional District, who championed the federal investment.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office partnership expanded
PSAIL builds on the ongoing collaboration between Florida Poly and PCSO, to combat AI-related crime. Faculty and students from the university have been assisting PCSO’s AI Investigation unit with technical expertise, research support, and tool development to help the agency better analyze and respond to AI-driven threats.
“The new PSAIL initiative further bridges the gap between the classroom and the real-life applications and systems, creating a pipeline for cutting-edge research that enhances officer safety and investigative efficiency and effectiveness,” said PCSO’s director of communications Scott Wilder.
He added the partnership has already helped students and faculty develop “safe, ethical AI tools,” designed for public safety use cases, including systems that can run securely on-site without relying on cloud services.
“This collaboration doesn’t just provide us with innovative tools; it helps develop a highly-skilled workforce right here in Polk County that is prepared to lead the future of public service, secure technology,” Wilder said.
Insight Polk examines community conditions and solutions in six target areas from UCIndicators.org: economic & employment opportunity, education, housing, food security, transportation & infrastructure, and quality of life.
LkldNow’s Insight Polk independent reporting is made possible by the United Community Indicators Project with funding by GiveWell Community Foundation & United Way of Central Florida. All editorial decisions are made by LkldNow.
Kayla Borg is a Lakeland native and graduate of Western Carolina University, where she earned her degree in English and film production. She began her media career in Atlanta at CNN, quickly rising from production assistant editor to technical director/editor, leading live broadcasts alongside field reporters. Since then, she’s worked in education, instructional design and independent filmmaking.
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