Virtual Student Art Exhibit and People’s Choice Contest opens Monday
The Rotary Club of Kissimmee West and the Osceola County School District present the 11th Virtual Student Art Exhibit and People’s Choice Contest. The exhibit includes over 350 entries from art students throughout Osceola County, with Best in Show winners in four age categories and their Art teachers with cash prizes. The student with the most votes in the “People’s Choice Contest” will receive a cash prize of $250. The proceeds benefit charitable causes focused on youth education, development, post-secondary scholarships, and feeding the hungry in Osceola County. Each $5 People’s Choice vote-donation on the Council on Aging site supports a meal for a homebound senior, helping to keep them at home instead a nursing home.
Votes will be accepted April 6-13 at rotaryartcontest.org.
Fla. Semiconductor Engine at NeoCity receives up to $45M in federal funding
The Florida Semiconductor Engine, headquartered at NeoCity, has advanced into Phase 2 of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program. The advancement will bring up to $45 million in federal funding through 2029. The Engine will be able to use that to expand semiconductor innovation, workforce development, and industry growth.
“Phase 2 of the NSF Regional Innovation Grant is about turning momentum into measurable outcomes,” said Dr. Ron Piccolo, CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine. “In the year ahead, our focus will be on translating and commercializing breakthrough technologies and services for markets that grow Florida’s emerging advanced packaging and semiconductor industry.”
Engine officials said the added federal funding will be used to advance research and development into market-ready technology for revenue-generating products, support startup and industry partnerships, expand workforce development programs and talent pipelines, support job creation and strengthen the local position in advanced and specialty semiconductor packaging (ASP), an industry that in the past has had its experts in other countries.
“This third year of funding reflects a strong partnership between industry, academia, and government in accelerating advanced semiconductor packaging, cultivating and growing a skilled workforce, and helping to restore advanced semiconductor packaging while affirming Central Florida’s leadership in this industry, Osceola County Manager Don Fisher said.
City of Kissimmee seeking Recreation program submissions
Kissimmee Parks & Recreation Department is seeking qualified individuals and businesses to provide aquatic, athletic, recreational, and enrichment programs for residents of all ages for the period of Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.
Program offerings may include, but are not limited to, fine arts, arts and crafts, language classes, fitness and health programs, financial literacy, homeschool enrichment, senior programs, and more.
To apply to become an instructor, please visit kissimmee.gov/instructor. Applications must be submitted by April 24 at 5 p.m. Selected applicants will be contacted with additional information regarding the next steps in the process.
