Polk State dual enrollment student is heading to Harvard
Nicholas Lopez has been an accelerated learner all his life. He skipped the second grade and exhausted the mathematics courses available at his high school. He was able to take higher-level math courses as a…
Polk State puts aviation career in reach for graduating Eagle being commissioned as U.S. Airforce officer
Stephen Pena Osorio has dreamed of a career in aviation ever since he was a little kid visiting the United States with his family from their native Colombia. He will receive his Bachelor of Science…
Winter Haven City Clerk motivated by family and city she serves to achieve Polk State bachelor’s degree
Vanessa Castillo began her higher education journey nearly 27 years ago and this month, she will receive her Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management with a concentration in Public Administration from Polk State…
Polk County Sheriff’s deputy advances skills & career with Polk State degree
Many students begin their college journeys to gain knowledge and skills that will make them employable in their future careers; then there are students like Daniel Vasquez, who began his career in criminal justice straight…
Graduating Polk State student inspired by family to achieve degree
When Trenton Gray’s mom was diagnosed with cancer, he quickly stepped up to support his family and prioritized work before college. He started working in construction at 18 years old and moved into a supervisor…
Student once told college was not for her is graduating with Polk State bachelor’s degree
When Victoria Baptiste was a junior in high school, a guidance counselor told her that college is not for everyone and that it did not seem like an option for her. “It was one of…
Accomplished professional continues to grow through Polk State degree and internship
Autumn Fenton will be completing her Polk State Associate in Science in Criminal Justice in the fall of this year, and she is doing so while serving the Polk County community and taking care of…
Mom, son & daughter attending Polk State in person & online receive same great education
Tania Chandler and her son, Michael Garcia, are enjoying their Intro to Digital Media class at Polk State College in the hybrid format, which mixes online learning with face-to-face time in the classroom. Meanwhile, Chandler’s…
Metallica Scholar finds senses of stability and home at Polk State
Christopher Needham had a difficult upbringing and “had to do what I had to do to make ends meet.” But his life is now a bit easier thanks to his determination, a scholarship from Metallica’s…
Pandemic brings three generations to Polk State Digital Media
Katelin Downing is pursuing an Associate in Science in Digital Media Technology degree at Polk State College, where she now has the company of her aunt and grandmother in their Intro to Digital Media class.…