Polk State College Campuses

The Airside Center Campus in Lakeland specializes in aviation, public safety, and technical programs, leveraging its proximity to Lakeland Linder International Airport to provide immersive, industry-aligned education. This facility is ideal for students pursuing careers in transportation, emergency services, and advanced manufacturing.

• Aviation Flight Technology AS, including private pilot, instrument rating, and commercial pilot certifications, with access to flight simulators and actual aircraft for practical flight training.
• Aircraft Maintenance Technology AS, covering FAA-approved airframe and powerplant mechanics, with hands-on work in maintenance hangars and engine labs.
• Public Safety Management AS, integrating fire science, emergency medical services (EMS), and homeland security, preparing students for roles as firefighters, paramedics, and first responders.
• Criminal Justice Technology with a focus on aviation security and law enforcement, including courses in forensics, patrol procedures, and crisis intervention.
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone Technology) certificate, teaching drone operation, FAA regulations, and applications in agriculture, surveying, and public safety.
• Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics AS, emphasizing robotics, automation, and CNC machining, aligned with Polk County's aerospace and logistics industries.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic programs, featuring scenario-based training in high-fidelity simulation environments.
• Fire Fighter Academy, a non-credit program meeting Florida Bureau of Fire Standards, including physical fitness, hazardous materials response, and rescue operations.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management, with courses on transportation systems, inventory control, and international trade, capitalizing on the region's distribution hubs.
• Workforce training in welding, electrical systems, and aviation electronics, offered through short-term certificates for quick employment entry.

Unique to this campus, partnerships with airlines, fire departments, and manufacturers provide internships and job placement opportunities. The curriculum stresses safety, regulatory compliance, and technological innovation, ensuring graduates meet national standards. Small cohorts and expert instructors from the field enhance learning. Beyond academics, the center hosts aviation career fairs and safety workshops, building a network for students. This location exemplifies Polk State College's commitment to specialized, high-demand fields, serving the aviation corridor and contributing to Central Florida's economic vitality through skilled workforce development.

The JD Alexander Center Campus in Lake Wales focuses on accessible education for rural communities, offering targeted programs in business, health, education, and technology to support local workforce needs in agriculture-rich Polk County.

• Business Administration AS, with specializations in entrepreneurship, office management, and small business operations, including courses on financial planning and marketing strategies tailored to rural economies.
• Early Childhood Development and Education AS, preparing educators for preschool and childcare settings, covering curriculum design, child psychology, and inclusive practices for diverse learners.
• Health Information Technology AS, training in medical coding, electronic health records, and HIPAA compliance, with practical software simulations for healthcare administration roles.
• Culinary Management certificate, emphasizing food service, nutrition, and hospitality, with kitchen labs for hands-on cooking and event planning.
• Office Administration AS, focusing on administrative support, Microsoft Office Suite mastery, and customer service, ideal for entry-level corporate or medical office positions.
• Pharmacy Technician certificate, teaching medication dispensing, inventory management, and patient interaction, aligned with national certification exams.
• General Education courses for AA transfer, including English composition, mathematics, and humanities, supporting pathways to four-year degrees.
• Workforce Development in agribusiness, covering sustainable farming, agricultural technology, and food safety, partnering with local farms and cooperatives.
• Digital Design and Graphics certificate, introducing Adobe Creative Suite for web design, branding, and multimedia production.
• Community Health Worker training, addressing public health issues like diabetes management and wellness education in underserved areas.

This smaller campus fosters a supportive environment with personalized instruction and flexible scheduling for working adults and parents. Programs emphasize practical skills and community engagement, often incorporating service-learning with local nonprofits. Faculty collaborate with regional employers for customized training, boosting employability. The center also offers ESL and GED preparation to broaden access. By addressing the unique needs of Lake Wales and surrounding areas, it promotes economic mobility and lifelong learning. Polk State College's JD Alexander Center exemplifies inclusive higher education, empowering residents to thrive in evolving job markets while strengthening community ties.

The Winter Haven Campus of Polk State College serves as the flagship location, offering a comprehensive array of academic programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into the workforce. As the primary hub, it hosts a wide variety of associate degrees, bachelor's programs, and certificates across multiple disciplines.

• Associate in Arts (AA) for liberal arts and sciences, enabling seamless transfer to universities for bachelor's degrees in fields like psychology, history, and education.
• Associate in Science (AS) degrees in health sciences, including Nursing (RN and LPN tracks), Dental Hygiene, and Radiography, with state-of-the-art simulation labs for hands-on training.
• Business Administration programs, covering accounting, management, and marketing, with courses emphasizing real-world applications through case studies and internships.
• Engineering Technology AS, focusing on electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering principles, preparing students for technician roles in Polk County's growing industrial sector.
• Criminal Justice Technology, offering training in law enforcement, corrections, and forensics, aligned with Florida Department of Law Enforcement standards.
• Computer Programming and Analysis, teaching languages like Java, Python, and web development, with emphasis on cybersecurity and data analytics.
• Early Childhood Education, providing credentials for childcare professionals, including child development theories and practical classroom management skills.
• Humanities and Social Sciences courses, such as philosophy, sociology, and communications, fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness.
• Science and Mathematics, with labs in biology, chemistry, and environmental science, supporting pre-med and STEM pathways.
• Continuing Education and workforce development, including non-credit courses in welding, HVAC, and medical coding to meet local industry needs.

This campus emphasizes student success through small class sizes, dedicated advising, and community partnerships. With over 100 programs, it caters to diverse learners, from recent high school graduates to adult professionals seeking career advancement. The curriculum integrates technology, sustainability, and equity, ensuring graduates are competitive in Florida's dynamic job market. Faculty bring industry experience, enhancing practical learning. Extracurriculars like honors societies and service-learning projects round out the educational experience, promoting holistic development. Overall, the Winter Haven Campus stands as a cornerstone for accessible, quality higher education in Central Florida, empowering thousands annually to achieve their academic and professional goals.