Polk State College launches Pursuing Purpose initiative to expand opportunities for community service and leadership
Polk State College is launching Pursuing Purpose, a new campaign structured to strengthen, expand, and elevate a culture of community service while creating opportunities for students to connect with the Polk County community.
The campaign aligns with Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas’ vision for the College which is grounded in three foundational pillars: strengthening workforce education through innovation and partnerships; ensuring students of all backgrounds can achieve greatness; and developing responsible citizens.
Community service is a cornerstone of the College’s commitment to developing responsible citizens.
“I always stress to our students that they should pursue purpose, not a paycheck,” said President Kamoutsas. “We are committed to helping students find meaning and value in what they do every day and in the careers they will pursue through the educational and workforce training pathways at our College. Ingraining service into their Polk State experience will develop professionals and leaders dedicated to our greater community.”
Pursuing Purpose includes two major elements:
- A new mobile application designed to promote, track, and verify student participation in community service and service-learning opportunities. The platform will feature upcoming events and ongoing service opportunities, allowing students to record volunteer hours and submit them for validation through the mobile app.
- A new peer mentoring program to recruit, train, and deploy student leaders who will support incoming students, strengthen community as part of the campus culture, encourage engagement, and promote academic success. Recruitment, interviews, and selection will take place in January and February 2027. Selected peer mentors will be announced and recognized in March, followed by a Peer Mentor Leadership Training Institute in April.
To jumpstart and celebrate the launch of Pursuing Purpose, Polk State’s Student Activities and Leadership Office has created and identified 10 new opportunities for students that will be promoted throughout the school year allowing for direct community service activities on campus and in the community. These programs will be advertised to students through the College’s online learning management system, Canvas, and the new mobile app.
Activities will include campus beautification projects, an annual week of service, and holiday outreach events. Through partnerships with HopeKids Central Florida, VISTE, Reading Pals, and Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County, amongst several others, students will support local families, assist the elderly, foster early literacy, and assist with affordable housing initiatives.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in community service during President Kamoutsas’ inauguration week from February 22 through February 26, which will include a day of service as well as the Polk State College Foundation’s premier fundraising event, A Night of Purpose, on February 25 in support of student scholarships.
“It is important to me that our students get involved in our College traditions while serving our greater community,” said President Kamoutsas. “There is no better way to recognize Polk State’s vital role in our community and celebrate our donors, supporters, and most importantly our students, than by giving back to our community.”
Pursuing Purpose will create more opportunities for students to serve and lead on campus and in the Polk County community. These initiatives aim to strengthen campus culture, support first-year resilience, develop leadership skills, and deepen community engagement and connections in Polk County.