
Aerospace Alumnus Learned More Than Flying Planes

Aaron Poidevin remembers the first time he thought he wanted to be a pilot. He was at MacDill’s Airfest. He was 8. “I was a kid watching airplanes doing tricks in the sky – of…

She Learned To Fly, Then Found Aviation Career On The Ground

Karissa Strickland always wanted to fly, but didn’t know that aviation was a viable career path until she read about Polk State College’s expanding Aerospace program in the newspaper. The Lakeland native graduated from Mulberry…

Pakistani Delegation Visits Polk State on Community College Tour

Sixteen Pakistanis who are either administrators for post-secondary vocational and technical institutions or officials with higher education planning responsibilities for community colleges in Pakistan toured Polk State College on Tuesday to learn about the U.S.…

Spring Registration Opens

Open registration is underway at Polk State College for the spring semester, which begins January 5. Currently enrolled students may register through PASSPORT. They should also check PASSPORT for possible holds on their accounts that…

Polk State Introduces New High-Tech Career Training Program for Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinists

This fall, Polk State will introduce its newest high-tech career training for Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinists. This four-month program is designed to jump start careers, enabling individuals to secure jobs in one of the…

The Guy In the Sky: Six Things You Didn’t Know About Professor of Aerospace Sciences, Ryan Wallace

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Almost…it’s Ryan Wallace! As a Professor of Aerospace Sciences in Polk State’s Aerospace Program, Wallace prepares students in all facets of the aerospace industry. And with his impressive academic…

Excelsior College, Polk State College Secure National Science Foundation Grant to Develop Educational Simulations for Workforce Readiness

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Excelsior College over $864,846 in grant funding to ensure workforce readiness. Excelsior has partnered with Polk State College to prepare technicians for skilled positions in the energy and manufacturing industries. Excelsior and Polk State College will develop simulations…

Polk State Students and Community Partners Collaborate on Global Studies Trip To Paris

From June 18 through 25, three current Polk State Aerospace students— Tyler Moore, Jeremy King and Geovanni Vega-Facundo— and two recent graduates — Aaron Poidevin and Karissa Strickland— will join faculty, staff, and community leaders…

Student Butler Charles: Flying High With the Patrouille de France at SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In

It was just another Monday when Polk State student Butler Charles got the invitation of a lifetime— to join the French air team Patrouille de France as one of the official translators during their visit…

Polk State Aerospace Program Coordinator Receives FAA’s Highest Award

In his 52-year career as a pilot, Mike Courtney flew for three major airlines, accumulated 24,000 flight hours, met the stewardess who would become his wife, and watched with pride as his two sons also…