
BSN graduate says Polk State Nursing opened her eyes to her fullest potential

Raymonda Johnson graduated in June 2021 from the Polk State Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program and is working per diem as a nurse in Central Florida while she attends Nova Southeastern University to…

Intern with Congressman Soto’s office wants others to know opportunities like this exist at Polk State College

Polk State College student Inez Cruz wants to dispel any stigma surrounding state colleges, and her experience is one of many testaments to the opportunities that abound at Polk County’s largest-serving higher education institution. Cruz…

Student who paid thousands for education benefits from free training as Polk State Metallica Scholar

Hillary Castillo paid nearly $38,000 for her former education and training when the expense became too much and caused her to drop out of school. Today, she is on a fast track to a high-paying,…

Destroyer Media graphic designer wowing Polk County with her work is Polk State trained

A typical day for Ella Sexson is, well, not so typical as a graphic designer for Destroyer Media & Marketing. At the time of her interview with Polk State News, she was planning to spend…

Polk State Nursing student credits success to generosity of Foundation donors & expertise of faculty

Amer Kassas is like many Polk State College students, balancing a full-time job and raising a family while pursuing his higher education and workforce training. Also like many students, he credits the generosity of the…

Polk State Business grad lands job with Big Four accounting firm

Jake Pullukat recently graduated from Polk State College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management Program which, paired with internship experience and federal COVID-19 relief funds that supported the completion of his degree, positioned…

Winter Haven paramedic builds skills through Polk State leadership program

Nicholas Bilbrey, a Firefighter III/Paramedic for the City of Winter Haven, admits that he wasn’t the greatest student when he was enrolled at Polk State College in the early 2000s. He has been successful in…

The big leagues & viral TikToks: Polk State Business student’s company Screen Skinz sees great success

Clay Canning started his cellphone screen protector design company Screen Skinz as a “side gig” in high school. Now, with his education through Polk State College, years of experience in the industry, licenses with the…

Polk State PTA Director trades clinical role for academia

Mary Krell started June 1 as director of Polk State’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program and brings nearly 10 years of professional experience to the College. Most recently serving as a clinical instructor for PTA…

Polk State dual enrollment student receives full ride to Princeton

Matthew Ciccone is heading to Princeton University and credits Polk State College, Florida Virtual School Full Time, and the University of Florida for preparing him for the Ivy League. Additionally, as a QuestBridge Scholar, Ciccone…