Mexican Delegation visits Polk State as part of Community College Administrator Program
Administrators and representatives from 13 post-secondary vocational and technical institutions in Mexico visited Polk State College on Oct. 13 as part of the Community College Administrator Program. Through the U.S. Department of State, participants are touring Florida colleges to learn about the U.S. community college system and to take information and ideas back to their institutions.
“The goal is to foster dialogue and learn about each other’s education systems so that we can develop new ideas,” shared Jeffrey Milligan, Principal Investigator for the Community College Administrator Program and Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies for the Learning Systems Institute at Florida State University.
The delegation started its visit to Polk State at Airside Center East which houses the College’s Aerospace Program. Although Polk State’s planes were grounded due to weather, participants benefited from a firsthand look at the state-of-the-art facility and simulation equipment. Polk State Aerospace boasts three Associate in Science programs in Professional Pilot Science, Aerospace Administration, and Aviation Maintenance, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Sciences with degree concentrations in Professional Pilot Science and Aerospace Administration.
Participants then received an overview of the Supply Chain Management Program which, most recently, launched a degree concentration within the College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management Program. This degree concentration builds on the foundational skills earned through the Associate in Science in Supply Chain Management Program. Additionally, students can earn valuable industry certifications through the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) which will give them a competitive edge in the marketplace.
The delegation convened for lunch on the Lakeland Campus with students, faculty, and staff from across the College including representatives with the Student Government Association (SGA).
“We have hosted visitors from 14 different countries and one thing that they always find interesting is SGA and the responsibilities students take on at their campuses,” Milligan said.
Polk State students and delegates from Mexico discussed student demographics, student government, campus involvement, exchange programs, bilingual opportunities, and even favorite soccer/fútbol players.
“What was fascinating about speaking to the students was that students are students – here at your institution and back at our colleges,” said Elvis Ian Ramirez Vazquez, Director of CECATI 95. “One day, our students are going to work together within our community. They face similar issues and challenges and come together to create connections to help solve those challenges.”
Jonasia Hilliard, President of SGA Winter Haven, agreed with Vazquez.
“We’re not so different from each other,” Hilliard said. “We all go through similar struggles and circumstances, and we can relate and work together toward a positive outcome.”
“Students sharing these ideas is inspiring,” Vazquez added.
The delegates fielded questions from Polk State’s student leaders, including those regarding the most popular degree programs in Mexico and whether classes are offered in English. Delegates shared that health, law, engineering, and English are among the most sought programs.
They also encouraged U.S. students to take advantage of exchange programs available through the Department of State.
“Now you have 13 friends from 13 institutions to choose from,” Vazquez shared.
The tour of Polk State concluded in Bartow at the Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center, where participants learned about the Corporate College and Engineering Technology programs.
Polk State Corporate College provides customized workforce training solutions for local employers across areas including advanced manufacturing, machining, childcare, construction, and professional development.
The Engineering Technology Program offers an Associate in Science degree and provides an open-entry early-exit option that allows students to work on their credits and requirements at their own pace.
Polk State has also hosted groups from Pakistan, South Africa, and Ukraine as part of the Community College Administrator Program in previous years.