Polk State student leaders advocate for higher education in D.C. and Tallahassee

Student leaders from Polk State College traveled to Washington, D.C., and Tallahassee to advocate for higher education priorities and gain firsthand insight into the legislative process at both the federal and state levels.

In the nation’s capital, Polk State’s three Student Government Association (SGA) presidents joined District Board of Trustees Chair Ann Barnhart and Immediate Past Chair Cindy Hartley Ross, as well as former President Angela Garcia Falconetti, to meet with members of Florida’s congressional delegation.

“The trip to D.C. was eye-opening and truly inspiring for someone like me pursuing a degree in public administration,” shared Mi’Kiyah Rucker, SGA president for the Lakeland Campus. “The opportunity, the advice, the support and the experience that I gained from this trip was monumental to my future.”

The group met with U.S. Representatives Byron Donalds, Scott Franklin and Darren Soto, and U.S. Senator Rick Scott to discuss key funding priorities impacting students. Conversations focused on strengthening financial aid programs, supporting workforce development initiatives and ensuring continued investment in state colleges.

Students also participated in the annual conference hosted by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), connecting with college leaders from across the nation and strengthening their understanding of national higher education advocacy efforts.

“I learned that advocacy, no matter how nervous it can make you, can only strengthen you and help you learn,” shared Subrina Akter, SGA president for the Polk State JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales. “Going to the ACCT conference was such a great opportunity to connect with leaders…, and it was also eye-opening and truly inspiring to be around Polk State’s leadership as they were instrumental in introducing us to leaders who work in one of the most powerful cities on Earth.”

Akter, Rucker and their peer, Sebastian Cardenas, SGA president for the Winter Haven Campus, shared their appreciation for Polk State leadership and the opportunity to travel on behalf of the College. They encouraged students to get involved with campus life and learn more about the legislative process.

“I recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to go [to D.C. with the College], to go,” Cardenas said. “Not only does it teach you the professionalism [of] Congress, but the advice they gave us throughout the trip [was also valuable]. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Students in Tallahassee also gained a deeper understanding about higher education advocacy and policy, and how student voices advance meaningful conversations. They participated in the Florida College System Activities Association’s February Advocacy Conference, and met with Anastasios Kamoutsas, Florida’s Commissioner of Education, as well as members of the Polk County Legislative Delegation, including State Representatives Jennifer Canady, Josie Tomkow, Jennifer Kincart Jonsson and Jon Albert, and Senator Colleen Burton.

Discussions centered on state funding for higher education, need-based financial assistance, mental health resources and initiatives that strengthen pathways from education to employment. Students also observed aspects of the legislative process and learned how state policies are debated, funded and implemented.

Polk State continues to advocate for approximately $7.5 million needed to open the Haines City-Davenport Campus in the fastest-growing region of Polk County. The campus will be home to Health Sciences programs and general education courses for the Associate in Arts degree.

Students also shared Polk State’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, leaving Commissioner Kamoutsas with a limited-edition Charlie of Liberty keychain as a token of their appreciation for his time and service.