Building Polk's Future
ConnectED Polk unites businesses, community, and education to accelerate progress, expand real-world opportunities for students, and turn your support into lasting student success and local prosperity.
Students Reached in Polk County
114,715
Invested in Polk County
$2.5M
Community Members within Businesses Reached in Polk County
105,867
Who We Are
ConnectED Polk connects your organization with a robust network of educational institutions across Polk County. Our designed approach to strategically branding and marketing your opportunities helps you engage students efficiently while maximizing your impact. Partner with education leaders on ConnectED Polk led initiatives that align with your goals and expand your reach.
Why Industry Should Partner with Education
The Challenge Students Face
Student Career Uncertainty
66%
of young people aged 16-24 say they don’t know exactly what career they want to pursue.
– Morning Consult
Lack of Career Confidence
62%
of young people report not feeling empowered or in control of their career paths.
– Jobs for the Future, 2024
The Case for
Industry-Education Partnerships
Early Talent Identification
70%
of companies offering internships are more likely to convert interns into full-time hires.
– National Association of
Colleges & Employers (NACE)
Reduced Turnover
89%
of employees who complete registered apprenticeship programs stay with the company for at least three years.
– U.S. Department of Labor
Stronger Entry-Level Talent
85%
of employers say that work-based leaning programs improve the quality of candidates they recruit.
– Advance CTE
Higher Gradutation and Wage Outcomes
21%
Students in career and technical education (CTE) pathways are 21% more likely to graduate high school and earn 11% higher wages than their peers.
– Association for Career and
Technical Education
Cost-Effective Recruitment
$6,000
Hiring former interns saves companies an average of $6,000 per hire in recruitment and training costs.
– NACE
Better Skills Alignment
79%
of employers report that internships help ensure new hires are equipped with the right skills.
– NACE
ConnectED Polk Pillars
Designed Approach
ConnectED Polk follows a thoughtfully designed approach that connects organizations with impactful educational opportunities, while strategically branding and marketing those opportunities to effectively engage students.
Innovative Solutions
ConnectED Polk identifies and introduces proven solutions in Polk County that enhance educational experiences and expand student access to industry-related opportunities.
Spearhead Initiatives
ConnectED Polk leads initiatives based on tested solutions that align with the strategic goals of both industry partners and educational institutions.
