
Polk State student’s internship at Citrus Connection turns into rewarding career

Carina Chaitoo was intrigued when she learned of the internship opportunities available through Polk State College. “Something just made me apply,” said Chaitoo, whose internship with Citrus Connection led to her career as a human…

Polk State freshman lands valuable opportunities with NASA, USF & more

Habiba Abouzaid says being a freshman shouldn’t stop anyone. She’s a great example. Within her first year at Polk State College, Abouzaid has developed an impressive resume that includes programs such as the NASA Community…

Polk State Radiography grad goes from clinical to career at Winter Haven Hospital

Carlos Buitrago enrolled at Polk State College unsure of what career path to take, until a broken arm introduced him to the discipline of medical imaging. In a sling for two years, he was unable…

Polk State provides alum with motivation, foundation to pursue graduate school

When Berenis Revelo started her higher education journey as a dual enrollment student in high school, she didn’t know just how far it would take her. As the first generation in her family to attend…

Polk State’s inaugural HR VP brings two decades of experience

Stacey Cary may be new to Florida, but she’s no stranger to human resources or higher education as she joins Polk State College as its first Vice President for Human Resources. Born and raised in…

USF clinical grad student: Starting off at Polk State has many advantages

Courtney Jenkins comes from a family of strong women whom she calls “bright lights” in the lives of others. Inspired to become a bright light herself, Jenkins is pursuing a master’s degree in the Clinical…

Graduate pursuing Doctor of Pharmacy got start in research at Polk State

Deandre Smith is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). He is an ambassador for the Student Marijuana Alliance for Research & Transparency (SMART), a national organization that aims…

Single mom motivated by her son to complete Polk State Respiratory degree

Aleyah Watkins was back in class just 10 days after giving birth to her son. She was a manager at Chuck E. Cheese when motherhood inspired her to seek higher education and a rewarding career.…

Student is graduating debt-free thanks to affordability and support at Polk State

Jena’ Kelley will be the first in her family to graduate with a college degree and she’s doing it debt free. Kelley graduated high school in 2018 and applied to Polk State College because it…

Polk State student to graduate with high school diploma and bachelor’s degree

Carolyn Bazley will be celebrating two significant milestones at once as she graduates from Polk State College with both her high school diploma and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. Through Polk…