ConnectED Polk (formally LKLD Leads) 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. In 2017, Polk County's largest employers faced significant challenges in recruiting qualified applicants for high-skill positions due to the lack of access to A-rated public schools. Since 2019, Polk County business leaders have felt a moral imperative to impact our schools. Lakeland Leads, has long been committed to improving educational outcomes in Polk County. When Lakeland Leads was first established, its mission focused primarily on addressing educational gaps within Lakeland. Over time, however, the organization's influence and partnerships expanded beyond city limits to embrace all of Polk County. As the initiative grew, so did its understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities facing the entire region. The name “Lakeland Leads” no longer fully captured the organization's evolving purpose or its reach, leading to a need for a rebranding. The decision to become ConnectED Polk was driven by a desire to reflect the organization's commitment to creating deeper connections across the county. The new name embodies several key values:
Connectivity: A strong focus on linking schools, businesses, community organizations, and families in a united effort to improve education outcomes across Polk County. Education: Education remains at the heart of the organization’s mission. The rebrand to “ConnectED Polk” underscores its dedication to fostering educational opportunities and equity for all students, regardless of where they live. Polk County-wide impact: The addition of “Polk” to the initiative's name signals its expanded focus and commitment to serving the entire county, not just Lakeland. Moreover, the rebranding aligns with a new strategic direction. ConnectED Polk focuses on collaborative, data-driven solutions involving a wide range of stakeholders, from policymakers to industry leaders. It aims to empower every student to succeed by addressing systemic barriers and building a more inclusive, ConnectED Polk educational ecosystem. The new identity allows the organization to grow beyond its original scope while staying true to its foundational mission of educational advocacy and action. In essence, ConnectED Polk is a symbol of both continuity and change—preserving the organization’s dedication to education while broadening its horizons to connect with more communities, students, and partners across Polk County.
