
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 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…

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…

Polk State reminds students of Civic Literacy Exam requirement for graduation

With Polk State College celebrating America’s 250th birthday, the College continues to remind students that passing the Florida Civic Literacy Exam is a requirement to earn an associate or baccalaureate degree. The post-secondary Civic Literacy…


