Polk State celebrates Career and Technical Education Month® and FDOE’s Get There initiative
The month of February is widely recognized as Career and Technical Education Month® by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) as an opportunity to celebrate the value, achievements, and accomplishments of programs across the country.
Polk State College, along with the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and its 28 Florida College System institutions and 48 technical colleges, will celebrate by sharing the stories of their students who have successfully graduated from CTE programs into rewarding careers.
“Polk State is proud to provide the community with high-quality career and technical education programs that position students for high-wage, in-demand careers through short-term training opportunities,” Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti said. “In partnership with the FDOE and our sister colleges, we are committed to providing the training, education, and support students need to Get There.”
In September, FDOE launched its workforce education initiative Get There, aimed at raising awareness of short-term career and technical education programs and highlighting $35 million in funding made available to state and technical colleges in the form of rapid credentialing grants. These grants were designed to increase Florida’s capacity to enroll and graduate students quickly, to aid in accelerated recovery for residents and the economy.
“CTE Month provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the great work of our school districts and state colleges as they educate and help to prepare the future of Florida’s workforce,” said Henry Mack, Chancellor for Career, Technical and Adult Education. “With the pandemic impacting the lives of many residents, there is no better time to highlight how CTE can make a difference. CTE is equal parts engaging, exciting and transformative, and leads to better academic and employment outcomes.”
The current disruption has propelled the demand for CTE programs as many Floridians seeking reemployment are looking for opportunities to match their current skill sets to demand from employers. While the pandemic sparked a renewed focus on the importance of CTE, there are also opportunities to reach beyond those impacted and educate all Floridians about educational offerings available in the state.
“With CTE, there is something and somewhere for every Floridian,” shared Kathy Hebda, Chancellor of the Florida College System. “No matter age, ethnicity, educational background or employment and financial circumstance, we are committed to each student’s success and future, all while ensuring a talented workforce for our great state.”
At Polk State, students can enroll in short-term workforce training programs, achieve credentials quickly and affordably, and gain critical skills needed in Polk County and beyond that are essential in emerging industries. Programs at Polk State include:
- Accounting Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Digital Media Graphic Design Production
- Digital Media Web Production
- Digital Media Video Production
- Engineering Technology Specialist
- Logistic and Transportation Specialist
- Certified Production Technician
- Certified Logistics Technician
- Computer Numeric Control Machining
There are scholarship funds available through Polk State’s Fast Forward initiative to provide free training for students in these programs, as well as scholarships through opportunities such as the Metallica Scholars initiative at the College.
Floridians can learn more about CTE and workforce training programs available locally at GetThereFL.com.