
National Public Safety Innovation Academy prepares law enforcement and corrections for next step in careers

Launched in September at Polk State College’s Center for Public Safety in partnership with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the National Public Safety Innovation Academy (NIA) gives law enforcement and corrections staff the tools they…

Sheriff’s deputy pursues dream of flying for law enforcement at Polk State Aerospace

Odalys Hurtado describes one of her biggest challenges as being a petite female in the law enforcement profession, but her ambition is greater than her stature, inspiring her to become a pilot so that she…

Polk State students learn about opportunities at Duke Energy Academy

As Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti put it in her opening remarks, the Nov. 4 Duke Energy Academy was intended to provide a spark. Representatives for Duke Energy spent the day at the…

Polk State Education grad “finally passed” reading certification, becomes intensive reading teacher & role model for students

Lauren Lightsey teaches intensive reading at Lake Wales High School, where she can relate firsthand to her students because she, too, struggled with mastering the reading curriculum. She completed the Educator Preparation Institute at Polk…

Polk State open on Friday following Tropical Storm Nicole

Polk State College will reopen on Friday including online courses, dual enrollment, and the collegiate high schools. The College sustained minimal damage as a result of the storm and personnel will be working throughout Thursday…

Polk State College will be closed Thursday due to Tropical Storm Nicole

Polk State College and the collegiate high schools will be open Wednesday with all in-person classes taking place until 5 p.m. Online classes will take place through the evening on Wednesday. The College will be…

Polk State is monitoring Subtropical Storm Nicole

Polk State College is monitoring Subtropical Storm Nicole and encourages students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to stay connected for updates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the College. Polk State will…

Polk State returns to pre-pandemic operations

For the past few weeks, Polk County has been categorized as having “low” COVID-19 community level infections by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and guidance regarding COVID-19 released by the (CDC) in…

Pep rally for Polk State Soccer set for Tuesday

For the first time since 2009, Polk State Soccer is bound for the final site of the national NJCAA Tournament. To see the Eagles off as they soar to Evans, Ga., Polk State College will…

Polk State Flight Team soars to nationals

The Polk State Flight Team has earned a spot in the 2023 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON). Polk State placed second in flight events and third overall in the…