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…
Polk State Nursing earns top spot in Florida thanks to investments from state and healthcare partners
Polk State College’s Nursing Program ranks among the top Associate in Science in Nursing programs in Florida when evaluated by both first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and program size, boasting a remarkable 97.4% first-time licensure pass…
Polk State Speech and Debate coach inducted into FCSAA Hall of Fame
In 2013, Polk State Professor Christina Gesmundo was tasked with starting the Polk State Speech and Debate Team. During February’s annual FCSAA Forensics Tournament, she was honored as one of the best the Florida College…
Expanded Polk State Speech and Debate Team shines at FCSAA Tournament
Since last year, the Polk State College Speech and Debate Team has quadrupled in size and during this year’s FCSAA Forensics State Tournament, it made its presence felt. As a team, Polk State finished third…
Former Polk State Baseball pitcher returns to World Baseball Classic
A former Suncoast Conference champion for Polk State Baseball, pitcher Chavez Fernander will have the chance to perform on a global stage. For the second straight World Baseball Classic (WBC), Fernander will represent Great Britain.…