Nursing Alumnus Started Over at Polk State — And He’d Do It All Again
Like so many students do every semester, Thomas Stross came to Polk State College to start over, and like so many students find, doing so wasn’t easy. He had to let go of who he…
Polk State Offering Free Training Program for Entry-Level Manufacturing Jobs
Polk State College is offering free training for those seeking entry-level positions in the manufacturing industry. The next session of the College’s CNC Operator Training Program begins Aug. 15. Classes take place Monday-Friday from 8…
First Polk State Alumnus Accepted to Juilliard Will Now Study Composition in Finland
AJ Stillabower, Polk State’s first alumnus to study at the renowned Juilliard School, has received a Fulbright scholarship to study composition in Finland. “Not only is the Fulbright award a recognized accomplishment in many professional…
Two Years in a Row: Polk State Alumnus Named Manatee County EMS Rookie of the Year
For the second consecutive year, a Polk State alumnus has been named Manatee County Emergency Medical Services’ Rookie of the Year. Earl Kulpa completed his paramedic certification at Polk State in 2014. In May,…
The Man Outside the Cath Lab: Six things You Didn’t Know about Cardiovascular Program Director Kevin Ferrier
As director of Polk State’s Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) program, which prepares students to assist physicians in such highly complicated procedures as catheterizations and stenting, Kevin Ferrier is used to sharing his academic and professional credentials.…
Polk State and Partners Win Federal Grant to Train Inmates for Manufacturing Jobs
Polk State College has been selected to receive federal grant dollars to train inmates for high-skill, high-wage, high-demand jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that the Polk Partnership for Industrial Employment, led by…
Polk’s Top Grads: Gateway Salutatorian Found Academic Footing and “Gained Confidence”
In two years’ time, Claudia Oppelt went from struggling student to salutatorian of Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School. Oppelt, a resident of Lakeland, graduated June 6 as the second-highest student in…
Special Education Expert Richard Lavoie Motivates Teachers to Motivate Students
More than 500 teachers will head into the school year with newfound strategies — and renewed energy — for motivating their students after attending a Polk State-sponsored workshop featuring special education expert Richard Lavoie…
TALON Students Learn Sky, Literally, Is the Limit for Their Engineering, Programming Skills
Eight days into their TALON experience, middle school students from across Polk County have built, programmed and refined their own machines using LEGO Robotics kits. On Friday, during a drone presentation, they learned that…
Polk’s Top Grads: Gateway Valedictorian “Has the Tools” to Study at University Level
After her experience at Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College, valedictorian Abisola Adeyemo is prepared — and excited — to continue her education. Adeyemo, a resident of Lakeland, graduated June 6, at the top of…