Polk State’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Includes Fiesta, Student Scholarship Opportunity

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

 

Polk State’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off Sept. 16 and will once again offer numerous opportunities to celebrate — and for students, a chance to receive money for their education.

Hispanic Heritage Month is one of several initiatives at the College to spotlight various areas of diversity within the community it serves. Other initiatives include Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Disability Awareness Month.

“Polk State is a diverse, inclusive institution, and we’re very proud of that fact,” said Director of Equity and Diversity Valparisa Baker. “These events are important not only to recognize and honor the diversity within Polk State College, but also to give students, employees, and members of the public the opportunity to learn about the cultural diversity within our student body and the community we serve. The more we can learn from one another, the better we can understand one another.”

The Hispanic Heritage Month calendar includes the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fiesta. To be eligible to win the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship, students must meet certain academic requirements, submit an essay, and have demonstrated interest in the Hispanic community. More information, as well as an application, can be found at https://www.polk.edu/equity-diversity/cultural-awareness-events/.

The Hispanic Heritage Month calendar includes:

Hispanic Heritage Kick-off
Sept. 16
11:45 a.m.
Polk State Winter Haven WLR Loggia

2015 Business Symposium — Celebrating Women in the 21st Century Job & Health Fair
Sept. 19
Free Clinic/Gallery: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Job & Health Fair: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Workshops: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Registration fee required for Breakfast Forum, Luncheon of Champions, and workshops. Discounts available for Polk State students and employees.
For more information, registration, or to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com or contact Ana Rivera at 863.838.2084.

Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fiesta
Oct. 14
11:30 a.m.
Polk State Lakeland Student Center Dining Hall

In addition to Hispanic Heritage Month events at its campuses, the College is a sponsor of the 18th Annual Hispanic Festival, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24 at Lakeland’s Lake Mirror Promenade and Barnett Park. The event is $5 for adults, but free for children 12 years old and younger. For more information, call 863.644.5362.

All events are free unless otherwise noted. For more information, contact Nixsa Cruz-De Witt at 863.298.6842 or ndelvalle@polk.edu.

Hispanic Heritage Month partners with Club Hispano de Lakeland, Events by Violet, Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Polk State College Foundation and the Polk State Student Activities & Leadership Office (SALO).