
From propane to jet fuel: Polk State Aerospace grad goes from hot air balloons to planes

With big flight dreams, Polk State College Aerospace student Marissa Vereb has already spent a lot of time in the air – but not just in airplanes. She was the youngest pilot to participate in…

Lake Wales HS student earns Polk State degree as dual enrollment student

At Polk State College’s three collegiate high schools, most students graduate simultaneously with a diploma and Associate in Arts (AA) degree. For students who want to remain at their high school, however, it is also…

Polk State’s Eagle Educator Bridge Pathway Program supports School-Related Employee of the Year recipient in achieving bachelor’s degree

As a student growing up in Polk County Public Schools in Lakeland, Alexia Frihart remains grateful for the lasting impact that her teachers had on her. Set to graduate with her Polk State College Bachelor…

Summer camps return to Polk State for 2026

One longtime Polk State College summer tradition and another that is rapidly growing will return this year to keep young minds and bodies engaged while school is out of session. For the first time, Polk…

Polk State sets former teen mom up for success in business, philanthropy

At the age of 19, Simone McFarlane-Tucker was a teenage mom with two children. Nineteen years later, she holds two Polk State College degrees, owns a business and runs a successful nonprofit. With children at…

Polk State announces important tuition dates for Summer 2026 Semester

As the Spring 2026 Semester nears an end and the Summer 2026 Semester approaches, Polk State College students should ensure that all classes have been paid for. With classes beginning on May 11, tuition and…

Polk State Respiratory Care application open 4/1 through 5/31

The application for Polk State College’s Respiratory Care Program will be open April 1 through May 31 for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. The Associate in Science in Respiratory Care prepares students to become highly skilled respiratory therapists…

Polk State EMT graduate earns congressional recognition

One Polk State College Emergency Medical Technology Certificate graduate’s efforts have now reached the highest levels of the U.S. government. Gustavo Mora, the 2025 Polk County Fire Rescue EMT of the Year, was recently recognized…

Polk State students help local factory employees improve English speaking skills

A collaborative effort among Polk State College, Leadership Winter Haven and Cardinal Equipment Services recently resulted in students helping employees develop skills that could pay dividends long-term. Professor Carol Martinson’s College Composition I class, which…

Dual enrollment student wins statewide essay contest with piece on Polk State alum

One Polk State College alumnus served as the inspiration for a dual enrollment student, which culminated in a tour of the governor’s mansion and a scholarship. Tevay Berry, a ninth-grade dual enrolled student at Freedom…


