2018-2019 Polk Vision Annual Report PV AR 2019_web | Page 54

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.
YO U T H L E A D E R S H I P P O L K
CLASS III
On the evening of July 31, 2019, 25
of the original 32 participants were
celebrated for having successfully
completed the necessary course
work and attendance requirements
of this evolving program.
The evening concluded with the
Leadership Polk Alumni Association
awarding $500.00 scholarships to
four of the graduating students.
These scholarship awards are being
held and administered by the Polk
Education Foundation.
YOUTH
LEADERSHIP
POLK
Youth Leadership Polk completed its third pilot year in the summer of 2019. The
program is made possible through a collaborative partnership between Polk
Vision and Girls Inc. of Lakeland and Bartow; Girls Inc. of Winter Haven; and Boys
& Girls Club of Polk County.
Designed as a youth engagement program, the experience is intended to instill
students with a sense of belonging, support social and emotional development,
explore potential careers, and expand their knowledge of Polk County.
Youth Leadership Polk Class III was comprised of 8th through 12th grade
students convened in day-long sessions, once a week for seven weeks. Students
learned components of environmental responsibility, government and public
policy, history and culture, community health, and public safety while expanding
their academic knowledge.
L E T ’ S TA L K B U S I N E S S
During a visit to LEGOLAND Florida
Resort, students learned about
the various careers available in the
number one economic driver to
Florida’s economy - tourism.
CAREER PLANNING
Florida Southern College hosted
students for a discussion regarding
pathways to successful careers. Topics
included how to apply for scholarships,
resume writing, and dressing
professionally. The day concluded
with a tour of the nursing department
where participants learned about
careers in the medical field.
H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
Mind-Body connections were made
during a visit to Bok Tower Gardens.
Students received yoga instruction
followed by a lesson on nutrition
as they prepared smoothies from a
variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Members of the Leadership Polk Alumni Association and other dedicated
business leaders from across the county volunteered as guest speakers,
hosts and instructors. This year’s curriculum was expanded to include Junior
Achievement instruction modules covering financial literacy in preparation for a
visit to Finance Park in Tampa.
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