College Says Initiative’s Creation Was ‘Data-Driven’ Decision
by DEMI GUILLORY
The road to a robust career in agriculture just became more accessible here in Central Florida, where Polk State College recently announced the launch of its AgriPolk initiative. The first of the school’s kind, the program is aimed at students committed to studying all aspects of agriculture–allowing them to gain hands-on training and education through specialized coursework, opening doors to more opportunities in the field.
Dr. Belkis Capeles is the Dean of Workforce Education at Polk State and says the numbers supporting the AgriPolk launch tell the story.
“With more than 3,000 students currently enrolled in agriculture-related courses across 17 high schools and 17 middle schools in Polk County, the demand for a clear and accessible pathway into agricultural careers is undeniable,” Capeles says. The “data-driven” decision to create AgriPolk was made with the support of local industry partners in addition to the University of Florida’s UF/IFAS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Capeles adds.
As an initial stepping stone on their career paths, AgriPolk is designed to set students up for success. “Students will complete their general education courses for the Associate in Arts degree as well as some ag-related elective courses and prerequisites that will make them strong candidates for admission into their desired four-year programs,” adds Capeles.
AgriPolk will fuse traditional classroom instruction and core subjects, like math and science, with relevant activities to instill the skills necessary for their chosen career paths. Capeles says the development of this curriculum will follow guidelines established as an Academic and Workforce initiative, which includes the implementation of course goals and objectives.
With the vast number of jobs available in agriculture, the AgriPolk curriculum will target areas such as “crop and livestock production, soil and plant management, veterinary science, aquaculture, biotechnology and agricultural business.”
Capeles commended the college’s partnership with UF/IFAS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for its extended ability to provide students with opportunity. The transfer process will be made easier for currently enrolled AgriPolk students with personalized assistance and an expedited application process.
Additionally, as a result of the initiative, Polk State is now recognized as a Gator Tracks Transfer Pathway partner.
“While at Polk State, students will continue to receive advising from Polk State advisors via Gator Tracks, and they will also have the opportunity to meet with a CALS advisor to ensure their transfer application is prepared for success,” Capeles says.
The goal is to provide students with everything they need to continue their education and encourage them to utilize the resources unique to them as AgriPolk students, like getting the chance to attend a variety of CALS events.
Polk State graduates completing their Associate in Arts degree are at an advantage for guaranteed acceptance into at least one Florida state university per state law. And when an AgriPolk student submits their application, it will be flagged for expedited review and admission determination.
“Overall,” adds Capeles, “this pathway aims to help students maximize their time at Polk State and CALS, while customizing their experiences to align with their career goals.”
Polk County Farm Bureau President Christian Spinosa applauds the AgriPolk launch, commending Polk State College on its dedication to developing a program that will offer students attainability in meeting their individual objectives.
“We’re very pleased to see agricultural coursework and workforce training opportunities taking shape at Polk State,” Spinosa says on behalf of Polk County Farm Bureau. “Given Polk’s long-standing agriculture heritage and the continued growth of K-12 agriculture programs, it makes sense that students should have continuing agriculture education options at the local undergraduate level.”
It is a reaction echoed by the Polk County Public Schools system. Jessica Anderson, Assistant Director of Agriculture and Career, Technical and Adult Education, says AgriPolk is a big step in the right direction for their students and the area overall.
For the many students who have long been seeking more options for post-secondary education locally, AgriPolk is the solution that did not exist before.
“Our students leave Polk County to explore state college programs in other counties,” Anderson explains. “Anytime we can keep our students local, encourage local post-secondary education, and employ them locally, we all win!”
As Anderson and her team, including Senior Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education Leann Bennet, prepare to formally introduce ArgiPolk to students and their families, they are confident it will be met with equal enthusiasm.
“[AgriPolk] opens doors for continued learning and career development in agricultural fields–an area of strong interest and relevance in our community,” Bennet says.
Polk County Public Schools respects the commitment and diligence of the Polk State team who has made this possible.
“I really appreciate the attention that Polk State has given to exploring this option,” Anderson remarks. “It has been needed for a very long time.”