ConnectED Polk

What a fantastic way to begin the day with Ms. Hafer at Tenoroc, planning another year of inspiring students to believe in their possibilities!

A huge thank you to PEFCU for hosting an incredible evening at the Flying Tigers baseball game in support of the Junior Achievement Barnett Family Discovery Center! ⚾

The event provided a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and support for bringing JA BizTown and Finance Park experiences to Polk County—transformative programs that will help thousands of students develop financial literacy, career readiness, entrepreneurship, and real-world life skills.

Through the generosity of PEFCU, community leaders, and supporters, we are one step closer to creating a hands-on learning destination that will impact more than 20,000 students annually across our region.

We are grateful for PEFCU’s continued commitment to investing in the future of our students and strengthening Polk County’s talent pipeline. Together, we are helping young people connect classroom learning to career opportunities and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Thank you, PEFCU, for your partnership, leadership, and dedication to making this vision a reality!

The Winter Haven community was honored to welcome Governor Ron DeSantis to the Winter Haven Police Department, alongside the Winter Haven Chamber, as he signed five public safety bills into law.

The legislation strengthens protections for law enforcement officers, enhances penalties for violent and repeat offenders, modernizes gang enforcement tools, strengthens career offender registration requirements, and addresses dangerous substances targeting youth.

Thank you to the Winter Haven Police Department, Winter Haven Chamber, state leaders, and community partners for hosting this important event focused on keeping Florida communities safe. It was a proud day for Winter Haven and Polk County as our community once again served as the backdrop for meaningful policy discussions and action.

A sincere thank you to the Polk County Sheriff's Office for their continued partnership and collaboration with ConnectED Polk at Auburndale High School.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office consistently demonstrates its commitment to our community by investing in the next generation and helping students connect classroom learning to real-world careers. Their dedication to mentorship, workforce development, and student success makes a lasting impact throughout Polk County.

Thank you to Lake Gibson High School for hosting!

The ConnectED Polk Career Showcase is designed to inspire the next generation by introducing students to real-world careers in industries like healthcare, technology, manufacturing, skilled trades, education, public safety, business, and more.

Whether students already know their dream career or are still exploring their options, Career Showcase is the perfect place to discover what’s possible!

Join us as we help students become future-ready and workforce-connected.

Welcome Wards Air Conditioning to ConnectED Polk!

Tim Rice, serves as President and Owner of Ward’s Air Conditioning, leading the company with a focus on customer service, operational excellence, and community commitment. Under his leadership, Ward’s continues its tradition of providing dependable HVAC solutions while building lasting relationships across Polk County. Tim is passionate about supporting workforce development and connecting industry opportunities with the next generation of talent.

Tim manages both administrative and field operations, emphasizing reliability, safety, and energy efficiency. His leadership supports Ward’s Air Conditioning’s reputation for responsive service and technical expertise in system installation, maintenance, and repair. Under his direction, the company continues adapting to new efficiency standards and environmentally responsible refrigerant technologies.

Tim Rice serves as President and Owner of Ward’s Air Conditioning, leading the company with a focus on customer service, operational excellence, and community commitment. Under his leadership, Ward’s continues its tradition of providing dependable HVAC solutions while building lasting relationships across Polk County. Tim is passionate about supporting workforce development and connecting industry opportunities with the next generation of talent.

Thank you, Tim and Ward’s Air Conditioning, for your continued investment in Polk County, our students, and the next generation of talent!

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎉

Today, ConnectED Polk celebrates the hard work, determination, and achievements of students across Polk County Public Schools as they take the next step toward their future. Whether you’re heading to college, the workforce, military service, technical training, or pursuing your dreams in a new way, your future is bright, and we are proud of you!

Through career academies, certifications, internships, mentorships, and hands-on learning experiences, you’ve built the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. You are the future leaders, innovators, creators, and workforce of our community.

Thank you to the educators, business partners, families, and mentors who helped support and guide these students along the way.

Class of 2026, this is only the beginning. Keep dreaming big, working hard, and making an impact. Polk County is cheering you on every step of the way!

Workforce readiness starts long before graduation, and our partners at City of Lakeland, FL - Government stopped by George W. Jenkins High School to share some insight on career opportunities.

Through career academies, industry partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences, students are gaining the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce and tomorrow’s economy.

From the classroom to the workplace, we’re helping students build confidence, develop real-world experience, and discover career pathways that lead to meaningful futures right here in our community.

When education and industry work together, everyone benefits.

Congratulations again to Fort Meade Middle Senior High School!