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Youth Leadership Polk
Inspiring Young
Leaders
Vision
Before 2030, Polk County will have
leadership that drives the partnership with
government and citizens to ensure that
Polk County is a premiere place to live,
learn, work and play
Youth Leadership Polk was piloted for a second year in the
summer of 2018. This student engagement program is designed
to instill students with a sense of belonging, support social and
emotional development, explore potential careers, and expand
their knowledge of Polk County.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Following a favorable pilot in the summer 2017, Polk Vision
convened a group of cross sector leaders to serve as a Council. This
group is committed to the development of a comprehensive and
sustainable Youth Leadership Polk program. This past year, with
expert assistance from Dr. John Diaz and staff from the University
of Florida/IFAS, the Council established outcomes, curriculum,
key measures and evaluation methods, field trip locations and
agendas. The Council is in the process of assessing the results of
this year’s program and already preparing for Class 3.
Youth Leadership Polk Class II was comprised of 8th through
12th grade students convened in day-long sessions, once a week
for seven weeks. The partnership with Girls Inc. of Lakeland and
Bartow continued with services extended to students from Winter
Haven, Haines City, and Lake Wales through a new partnership
with Citrus Center Boys & Girls Club.
Participants learned components of environmental responsibility,
government and public policy, history and culture, community
health, and public safety while expanding their academic
COLLEGE & CAREER DAY
During a visit to Florida Polytechnic
University, students received instruction
on the many pathways to career and
college. Following a tour of the campus
and engaging in a STEM activity, students
participated in a “Speed Dating” session
with 8 college and university admissions
counselors from across Polk County.
knowledge. Dedicated business leaders from across the county,
many of them Leadership Polk graduates, volunteered as guest
speakers, facility hosts and curriculum instructors. Instruction was
expanded to include Junior Achievement ® instruction modules
covering essential employability skills such as team work, critical
thinking and effective communication.
THE ENVIRONMENT
The Environmental curriculum introduced
students to the importance of land and
animal preservation; the ecosystem;
water conservation; recycling and waste
management.
Students attended facilitated tours at Circle
B Bar Reserve, the Wastewater Treatment
Plant, and the Polk County Landfill.