Polk State Nursing student turns Bright Futures opportunity into a career of service

Caleb Grace grew up watching his mother work in healthcare. She raised him and his sister as a single parent, becoming his role model and showing him how caring for others could become a career.

Now, the Winter Haven native is preparing to follow her example. Grace is on track to graduating from Polk State College’s Nursing Program with an Associate in Science degree in December, with plans to begin his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Polk State in January.

“I volunteered at BayCare Winter Haven Hospital to complete my Bright Futures community service hours,” Grace said. “I expected to fulfill a requirement. Instead, the experience strengthened my interest in nursing and confirmed that I was moving in the right direction.”

For Grace, the experience connected what he learned from his mother to the work he became inspired to pursue as a career: helping patients and their families in a direct, tangible way.

“My mom has worked in healthcare for as long as I can remember,” he said. “Growing up, I learned from her how important nurses are and how much their work matters to patients and their families.”

Grace shared his story during a Florida Lottery Bright Futures Scholarships Outreach event at Polk State’s Lakeland Campus. More than 100 students, including 60 Bright Futures scholars, attended the event, which highlighted academic achievement, affordability, and community service.

His experience reflects the connection Polk State seeks to build between education and public service through President Anastasios Kamoutsas’ Where Eagles Soar initiative.

“Caleb’s experience shows how community service can help students identify a purpose that motivates them to pursue a meaningful career ,” said President Kamoutsas. “At Polk State, we encourage students to apply what they learn in ways that benefit others. Bright Futures supports this mission and invests in student success by requiring community service. Through his hospital volunteer work and nursing education, Caleb is preparing to meet a healthcare need while building a future here in our community.”

A 2023 graduate of Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School, Grace chose to continue at the College because of its highly regarded Nursing Program. Bright Futures gave him the financial support to pursue that choice.

“Without this scholarship, I could not have afforded to continue my education the way I have,” Grace said.

With scholarship support, Grace now only has to cover lab and course fees each semester, which he described as affordable at Polk State. That combination has allowed him to continue his education and plan beyond his upcoming graduation.

Grace’s decision to continue at Polk State was rooted in his confidence in the Nursing Program.

“I chose Polk State because it has one of the strongest nursing programs in Florida,” he said.

Nursing graduates achieved a 100% ultimate pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination in 2025. The program also reported 100% job placement among responding graduates.

His goal is to earn a doctorate within the next five years.

“I know that will take a lot of work, but I’m ready to keep learning and keep moving forward,” he said.

In the classroom, Professor of Nursing Danielle Delgiudice has seen the qualities Grace will bring to the field.

“He is a hardworking student who demonstrates strong clinical skills, communicates well with patients and peers, and is always willing to lend a helping hand to his classmates,” Delgiudice said. “He brings a positive attitude to the learning environment and truly embodies the teamwork and compassion that are so important in nursing.”

Grace also credits the guidance he received at Chain of Lakes. When he was uncertain about which courses to take as he completed his associate degree, guidance counselor Dr. Peter Preston helped him consider his options and plan his next steps.

That support, his mother’s example, and his scholarship have helped him see an education that can continue well beyond December.

Funded by Florida Lottery proceeds, Bright Futures represents an investment in students whose achievements and service will carry into their careers. For Grace, that investment has made it possible to prepare for a profession built around caring for others.

“My mother showed me what a life of service can look like,” he said. “Bright Futures has helped me prepare to follow that example.”