AgriPolk: Polk State launches new pathway to careers in agriculture
Polk State College has launched an initiative to connect students ripe with passion for agriculture to higher education and workforce training that will lead to rewarding careers.
AgriPolk combines the transferable Associate in Arts (AA) degree with specialized coursework, hands-on learning and certification opportunities to ensure a seamless transition to four-year programs and thriving careers in the agricultural industry.
Students can enroll now by emailing agripolk@polk.edu for personalized assistance.
AgriPolk is designed for students interested in areas including crop and livestock production, soil and plant management, veterinary science, aquaculture, biotechnology and agricultural business. This initiative integrates social, economic and environmental perspectives, preparing students to tackle modern challenges in agriculture.
Meeting a growing need
The development of this pathway is in direct response to industry and workforce training needs.
Polk State identified more than 3,000 students in Polk County Public Schools across 17 high schools and 17 middle schools enrolled in agriscience foundational courses, including animal science, horticulture and agriculture operations. Polk County is also known for its active Future Farmers of America Federation chapter.
AgriPolk creates a structured pathway for interested students to advance their education and pursue career goals within these fields.
Strategic partnerships and transfer opportunities
Through a partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) in Polk County, AgriPolk offers students a pipeline to UF’s prestigious programs.
The AA degree ensures guaranteed admission to at least one Florida state university, providing a seamless transfer to four-year institutions for further specialization and bachelor’s degrees.
AgriPolk will prepare students with specialized courses, prerequisites and certifications that will make them strong candidates for admission into their desired four-year programs.
Innovative facilities and hands-on learning
The AgriPolk initiative is housed at the Polk State JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales, where students will complete their general education courses that count toward the AA degree.
Specialized, hands-on courses and certification opportunities are being developed at the College’s Advanced Technology Center in Bartow, specifically through the Engineering Technology Program to allow AgriPolk students to prepare for the field through lab activities and technical workforce training.
Get started
Prospective students are invited to an open house at the JD Alexander Center on October 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to explore AgriPolk and other opportunities available at Polk State.
Interested individuals are encouraged to email agripolk@polk.edu to receive personalized assistance related to AgriPolk enrollment.
More information is available online at polk.edu/agripolk-agriculture.