ARTICLE
ConnectED Polk proudly celebrated the success of its 4th Annual ConnectED Polk Awards Dinner by recognizing outstanding business and education partners making a lasting impact on students and workforce development across Polk County. The annual event brought together educators, business leaders, community partners, and supporters to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and excellence in career-connected education. During the evening, ConnectED Polk recognized the following award recipients: Business Partner of the Year - Small Business: Evans Family Ranch Business Partner of the Year - Large Business: Lakeland Regional Health Academy of the Year: Fort Meade High School, Pharmacy Technician Program Academy Trailblazer of the Year: George Jenkins High School, Academy of Cybersecurity “These award recipients represent the very best of partnership, innovation, and commitment to student success,” said ConnectED Polk President Dr. Melody Rider. “Their dedication is helping prepare students for meaningful careers while strengthening the future workforce of Polk County.” The 4th Annual ConnectED Polk Awards Dinner was a tremendous success, highlighting the power of collaboration between education, business, and community leaders to create opportunities for students throughout the region. About ConnectED Polk: ConnectED Polk is an intermediary non-profit that fosters collaboration among educational institutions, students, community stakeholders, and industry partners to ensure education and training programs remain relevant and adaptable. By working closely with industry leaders, we identify key occupations, skill gaps, and trends, leading to practical training solutions. Our focus on systemic change aligns educational practices with business needs in alignment with their strategic plans of engagement to empower graduates to succeed. Through innovative models, ConnectED Polk improves access to high-quality education, transforming educational experiences and fostering economic growth. By spearheading and partnering on ConnectED Polk initiatives, together we create equal opportunities for students. This collaboration with educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders helps build a brighter future for all students. For more information about ConnectED Polk and its mission, visit www.connectedpolk.com. Media Contact: Heide Evans heide@connectedpolk.org Phone: 863.698.5642
ConnectED Polk proudly celebrated the success of its 4th Annual ConnectED Polk Awards Dinner by recognizing outstanding business and education partners making a lasting impact on students and workforce development across Polk County.
The annual event brought together educators, business leaders, community partners, and supporters to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and excellence in career-connected education. During the evening, ConnectED Polk recognized the following award recipients:
Business Partner of the Year - Small Business: Evans Family Ranch
Business Partner of the Year - Large Business: Lakeland Regional Health
Academy of the Year: Fort Meade High School, Pharmacy Technician Program
Academy Trailblazer of the Year: George Jenkins High School, Academy of Cybersecurity
“These award recipients represent the very best of partnership, innovation, and commitment to student success,” said ConnectED Polk President Dr. Melody Rider. “Their dedication is helping prepare students for meaningful careers while strengthening the future workforce of Polk County.”
The 4th Annual ConnectED Polk Awards Dinner was a tremendous success, highlighting the power of collaboration between education, business, and community leaders to create opportunities for students throughout the region.
About ConnectED Polk:
ConnectED Polk is an intermediary non-profit that fosters collaboration among educational institutions, students, community stakeholders, and industry partners to ensure education and training programs remain relevant and adaptable. By working closely with industry leaders, we identify key occupations, skill gaps, and trends, leading to practical training solutions.
Our focus on systemic change aligns educational practices with business needs in alignment with their strategic plans of engagement to empower graduates to succeed. Through innovative models, ConnectED Polk improves access to high-quality education, transforming educational experiences and fostering economic growth.
By spearheading and partnering on ConnectED Polk initiatives, together we create equal opportunities for students. This collaboration with educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders helps build a brighter future for all students.
For more information about ConnectED Polk and its mission, visit www.connectedpolk.com.
Media Contact: Heide Evans heide@connectedpolk.org Phone: 863.698.5642