The outlook for Florida Southern College (FSC) for 2022 is optimistic as the Lakeland school continues to tackle construction, add programs and engage students, said President Anne Kerr. “Our trajectory continues with robust enrollment of truly outstanding students, many of whom have world-class talent,” said Kerr, FSC’s president of 15 years. “Our professors are as […]
If you want to help shape future graduates of the county’s public school system, now is the time to take a quick online survey to provide your input. The deadline is Nov. 30. Polk County Public Schools is developing a strategic plan to ensure all graduates are ready to enter college or the workforce. As […]
The new Hospitality and Marketing Academy at Davenport High School (DHS) is preparing students to enter the field with unique skills. Courses being offered at the new high school, which opened in August 2021, include multiple career programs in the fine arts, hospitality and hotel management, technology, computer modeling and gaming. That includes the first […]
As manufacturing continues to play a key role in diversifying Polk County’s economy, it’s clear that education is a vital component to ensuring a workforce that is trained to handle jobs that have changed considerably in the last 20 years. Florida Polytechnic University, Polk State College, Florida Southern College and Southeastern University are all important […]
As the world moves beyond boundaries and becomes more and more global, educating our students to do business internationally is a key component in college classes. Educating Spanish-speaking residents is just as important. That’s why Teresa Martinez, executive editor of Viva Polk magazine and member of the Polk State College District Board of Trustees, asked […]
Despite the challenges of this year’s legislative session, which runs from March 2 through April 30, those involved in the process are ready, having introduced bills or worked with lobbyists to advocate for those deemed important. We talked to David Shepp, a lobbyist with The Southern Group and chair of the Central Florida Development Council’s […]
Two local colleges are teaming up to provide students with degrees that will allow them to enter STEM-related fields with high-level business acumen. Florida Polytechnic University students will have a chance to continue their education for one year at Florida Southern College to earn a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). The public-private partnership will save […]
CareerSource Polk is offering a wide range of programs to help adults gain skills that make them more marketable in today’s workplace and to assist businesses re-train and retain employees. Chrissanne Long, CEO of Maximize Digital Media, recently learned of the programs, which she said every small business owner should consider. “We have had great […]
With a focus squarely on high school seniors, Polk County Public Schools increased its graduation rate to a record high of 86.5%, up from 81.2% in 2019. There were many achievements to celebrate along with the overall increase: The graduation rate has increased almost 15% over the last five years. The rate at the county’s […]
Nothing proved the adaptability of Polk County’s higher education institutions quite like 2020. When the coronavirus pandemic moved schools all over the country to close their doors in March, colleges quickly transitioned to online classes and many other changes. As 2021 begins, the presidents of six education institutions in Polk County already have plans in […]