Polk County’s institutions of higher education contribute to business services here, training the next generation of workers and preparing them to be successful in their careers. Five of those institutions offer extensive business classes and various degrees, all of which contribute to the economic engine of Polk County. “Jannetides helps economic development in Polk County […]
As Polk County remains a hotbed for growth in the medical and health sciences fields, our local institutions of higher education continue to adapt their current programs and add new ones to ensure a strong and talented health sciences workforce to support the industry. Lakeland Regional Health is building new facilities in North and South […]
The $47 million cutting-edge Applied Research Center (ARC) on Florida Polytechnic University’s campus has opened, providing the only state college devoted to STEM degrees more academic and research space as it plays an increasingly critical role as an engine for economic development. “This striking new building will significantly expand our research capabilities and advance our […]
Local, state and national companies look forward to this time of year. Students are graduating from college and are ready to enter the workforce. In Polk County, seven institutions of higher education contribute to the talent pipeline. Those colleges and universities award about 6,000 degrees and certificates to graduates annually. This includes about 1,000 students […]
Three local institutions of higher education are preparing students to enter the fast-growing field of logistics and supply chain management, a critical industry in Polk County. Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti said the percentage of Polk County’s workforce involved in the logistics and supply chain field is: Transportation & Warehousing – 10% Production […]
Southeastern University started the 2021-22 academic year with new leadership in almost all its top-level positions. Now, those leaders are looking forward to the next year with a refreshed vision for several colleges and new degree programs. Dr. Jeffrey Paul, dean of Southeastern’s Jannetides College of Business, Communication and Leadership, said this school year was […]
As we approach National Agriculture Day on March 22, it’s important to recognize the educational institutions that help fuel the industry’s workforce. Polk County Public Schools and higher education institutions prepare students to work or pursue advanced degrees in this expanding field. According to the Polk County Farm Bureau, 33% of jobs in the county […]
Central Florida is home to a deep and diverse talent pipeline, from world-class colleges and universities to specialized training centers, Polk County is dedicated to workforce preparedness. To start off 2022, the CFDC highlighted our seven institutions of higher learning to learn more about their plans for the new year and beyond. Read more below. […]
Working toward growth, Webber International University will embark on several construction projects this year. “We built a Learning Commons last year, which houses computer labs, tutoring offices, library, writing lab and the students’ favorite — a Starbucks. Moving the library let us repurpose that space for occupational therapy assisting, nursing and sports performance and fitness […]
Melody Rider, president of Keiser University’s Lakeland campus, said she’s very excited about 2022 after the Year of Pivot (2020) and the Year of Transition (2021). The Year of Pivot saw faculty and staff working from home, students learning remotely and many safety challenges on campus – all adding a lot of stress, she said. […]