ReadingPals program pairs local volunteers with young students to build vocabulary, confidence, and trust — all in just an hour a week.
Category: Education
Posted inNews
YMCA Expands After-School Programs to Support Working Families in Polk County
New and returning YMCA sites offer affordable care, academic enrichment, and flexible scheduling for parents.
Posted inInsight Polk
Florida Poly and OCOM Launch Fast-Track Medical Degree to Address Doctor Shortage in Polk County
New 6-year program lets students earn a B.S. and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, aiming to boost local healthcare access in underserved areas.
Posted inInsight Polk
Polk County Boys & Girls Clubs Face Funding Crisis
With federal grants delayed, youth programs and hands-on learning experiences hang in the balance for 600-plus kids.
Posted inInsight Polk
Lakeland Valedictorian Climbed a Virtual Mountain
Jeremiah Mcparlin surmounted poverty, illness and more. His charter school and mom had his back.
Posted inInsight Polk
‘We’re Very Excited’: Polk County School District Earns ‘B’ Grade
Despite many gains, Polk County’s public schools rank 55th among Florida’s 67 counties.
Posted inInsight Polk
Ready or Not? ‘Camp Early Bird’ Is Free for Incoming Polk Kindergarteners
Registration is now open for half-day program at select elementary schools, Mondays through Thursdays in June.
Posted inInsight Polk
Razor-Thin: Day Care Costs a Fortune, No One Is Getting Rich
Child care center operators share 6 reasons why day care costs almost as much as rent in Polk County.
Posted inInsight Polk
Unavailable, Unaffordable: Polk Parents Struggle to Find, Pay for Child Care
Day care for one child costs $1,000 to $1,500 per month in Polk County — if you can get a spot.
Posted inInsight Polk
Polk School Board Begins Planning for 2026 Tax Referendum
Despite historic raises, the teacher pay gap has widened between Polk and neighboring counties.
