Polk Education Foundation

05/27/2026

Thank you to the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center for spending your morning with us!

We were grateful to host this month’s Chamber Coffee Hour at the Foundation and share more about our programs, the needs we’re working to meet, and the successes made possible through community support.

A special thank‑you to the Chamber members and our Foundation board members who joined us. Your involvement, mentorship, and advocacy make a real difference for students across Polk County.

We loved introducing the team behind the dream and we’re thankful for partners who believe in the mission as much as we do. 💙☕✨

05/27/2026

Big congratulations to the Fort Meade Middle Senior High School Pharmacy Academy!

With support from our donors, students competed at HOSA SLC for the first time in school history, completed their industry exam, and participated in meaningful career‑exploration experiences that all culminated in being named ConnectED Polk’s Academy of the Year.

We’re proud to support opportunities that help students shine and take confident steps toward their futures. 💙✨

05/25/2026

Looking forward to seeing Members of the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce and fans of Polk Education Foundation at the Foundation office early tomorrow morning at 1530 Shumate Drive! Join us for a light breakfast, meet the Team and learn more about all that the Board, Team, Donors and Community do to uplift Polk County Public Schools!

You asked for it, we answered ☕

Join us for this month’s Chamber Coffee Hour, where the conversations are easy, the connections are genuine, and you might just walk away with a new idea (or two). This month, we’re joined by the Polk Education Foundation, sharing how local businesses can play a real role in shaping the future workforce right here in our community.

Whether you’re catching up with familiar faces or meeting someone new, this is one of the easiest ways to stay connected and involved.

📅 May 26, 2026
⏰ 7:30 AM
📍 1530 Shumate Dr., Bartow

Come for the coffee, stay for the conversations.

05/24/2026

We are so proud and grateful for Joe G. Tedder, Tax Collector for Polk County - Bartow for his leadership and creative idea for Polk County Kids Tag Art that has made it possible to invest more than $600,000 in Polk County Public Schools arts programs through this unique partnership that has been replicated statewide and magnified overall positive impact❣️❣️❣️🎨🧒

05/22/2026

Mentors make all the difference! 💚

We’re grateful for every community volunteer who shows up, encourages, and believes in their mentee.

Your time and consistency help shape futures in ways that last far beyond the school year. Take Stock In Children - Polk County

05/22/2026

Staying on top of SAT, ACT, and CLT deadlines is one of the strongest ways students can set themselves up for success. 📅✨

These 2026 testing dates can help rising seniors plan ahead, prepare early, and give themselves the best chance at their highest score.

Planning ahead now also means you’ll be ready to apply for Polk Education Foundation scholarships in November 2026, and the stronger your test scores, GPA, and service hours, the more opportunities you’ll qualify for. 🌟

Your future deserves a strategy: start now, stay ready! 📝🎓

Rising seniors, this one's for you! 🎓 The registration deadline for the June 6 SAT is TOMORROW (May 22). If June is your test date, don't wait — register tonight at mysat.collegeboard.org/dashboard.

FACT: Testing isn't a one-time scramble — it's a plan. 📅

The strongest scores come from students who map out their test dates EARLY, leave room to retake if needed, and never get caught off guard by a deadline.

We put together this full 2026 SAT, ACT & CLT calendar — every test date, registration deadline, and score release in one place. Save it. Screenshot it. Put the deadlines in your phone.

✅ Pick your test date(s) now
✅ Mark the registration deadline (they hit 3–5 weeks BEFORE the test)
✅ Build in time for a retake
✅ Ask about FEE WAIVERS — eligible students can get up to 2 per test, plus college application fee waivers. See your school counselor!

Class of 2027, your future starts with a plan. Let's get ahead of it. 💪

05/22/2026

Missed the Polk Education Foundation scholarship application deadline? 🎓

Students planning to attend Polk State College still have an opportunity to apply or reapply for funding through Polk State College Foundation’s June 2026 scholarship period. 📚✨

The Polk State College Foundation’s June 1–15 scholarship application period for fall 2026 funding will open soon. This is a secondary application window with limited scholarship availability, and students are strongly encouraged to prepare now and submit their application once the period opens ...

05/22/2026

We’re honored to sponsor this incredible opportunity for PCPS educators! 🌈

An evening centered on understanding, connection, and strategies that support all learners is something we’re proud to stand behind.

Thank you to Teacher Engagement for bringing Madison Marilla to Polk County to share her story and insights with our educators.

Teacher Engagement in Partnership with the Polk Education Foundation has an amazing Professional Development Opportunity for our teachers and paras!

Netflix Reality Star, Madison Marilla, will be speaking at Harrison School of the Arts June 23rd at 5pm. Sharing insights as a former student with Autism, Madison is now a public speaker and advocate for students with Autism. Hear from a student's perspective what it is like to have autism in the classroom and learn strategies and advice to support all learners.
Sign ups are happening now. Emails will go out to notify those who get in.

05/21/2026

What a GGGRRREEEAAATTT view and moment from the Foundation Office as the Bartow High School Softball Team begins their parade as they leave to head to the State Championship❣️❣️❣️ Hit it out of the park, Yellow Jackets!!!!! Polk County Public Schools

05/20/2026

Calling all Polk Education Foundation scholarship recipients 🎓 We want to celebrate YOU!

If you received a scholarship through the Polk Education Foundation at your senior awards night, please email a photo of you holding your certificate to [email protected].

Congratulations again on your award and we look forward to seeing all that you do!!! 🎉✨📸