Education & Workforce

Polk Career Academies

Polk’s Career Academies combine an academic curriculum with an occupational theme. Students who join Career Academies are part of a small learning environment and share common interests in a specific career field. Students are provided with hands-on learning opportunities by experienced instructors. Local business and community leaders have the distinct opportunity to partner with Career Academies. Students learn directly from the professionals in their chosen field to gain on-the-job training and obtain industry certification. Through these partnerships, students gain a competitive advantage as they begin their journey toward attending college or directly entering the workforce.

Central Florida Aerospace Academy
In addition to the rigorous academic courses, CFAA offers aeronautical instruction including flight training, aircraft maintenance and avionics, engineering, UAS operations, FAA Part 147 Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic courses. It also boasts an impressive Air Force JROTC program. CFAA is proud to be recognized as a National Career Academy Coalition Model Academy School.

Bartow Medical and Fire Career Academy
The Bartow High School Medical and Fire Academy provides students with a comprehensive learning experience in both the medical and public service fields. It aims to prepare students for careers in healthcare and emergency services by offering specialized courses and hands-on training. The academy is recognized as a National Career Academy Coalition program, which highlights its commitment to high standards in career and technical education. Students have the opportunity to engage in practical experiences that can help them pursue further education or enter the workforce directly after graduation.

Bartow Future Educators Career Academy
The Future Educators Academy in Bartow is a program designed to inspire and prepare students for careers in education. The academy offers courses and experiences that help students understand the fundamentals of teaching and education. Students get opportunities to work with local schools and educators, gaining practical experience in classroom settings. The academy collaborates with various educational programs and local schools to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Additionally, students receive mentorship and guidance from experienced educators, helping them to develop their teaching skills and career plans.

Bartow Legal Studies Career Academy
The Legal Studies Career Academy at Bartow High School offers students a focused curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in the legal field. This academy provides a comprehensive education in various aspects of law, including: criminal law, civil law, constitutional law, legal research and writing. Students have the opportunity to participate in mock trials, which help them gain practical experience and understand courtroom procedures. The academy also emphasizes critical thinking, public speaking and analytical skills which are essential for legal professions. Additionally, students can earn industry certifications that can give them a head start in their legal careers or further education. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue higher education in law or enter the workforce directly after graduation.

Bartow Criminal Justice Career Academy
The Criminal Justice Academy at Bartow High School is a multi-year program designed to prepare students for careers in the criminal justice field. The academy covers various aspects of criminal justice, including law enforcement, courts and corrections. Students learn about criminal justice operations and 9-1-1 emergency dispatch. Students participate in mock trials and police explorer programs, providing practical experience that mirrors real-world scenarios. Upon graduation, students will have the necessary skills and certifications for employment or continued education in the criminal justice industry. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue higher education in criminal justice or enter the workforce directly after graduation.

Bartow Culinary Arts Career Academy
The Culinary Arts Academy at Bartow High School is a nationally accredited program designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in culinary fundamentals. The academy covers various aspects of culinary arts, including taste, presentation and cooking techniques. Students gain hands-on experience in the kitchen and learn about cost control, safety and sanitation, nutrition and kitchen management. One of the unique features of this academy is the opportunity for students to work in a school-based catering and restaurant setting, which provides real-world experience. They are involved in catering events both within the school and around the county, giving them practical exposure to the culinary industry. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue further education in culinary arts or enter the workforce directly after graduation.

Bartow Construction Career Academy
The Construction Career Academy at Bartow High School offers students a hands-on learning experience in various aspects of the construction industry. The program covers building design, carpentry and cabinet-making, providing students with practical skills that are directly applicable to the workforce. Students work on real-world projects, such as constructing tiny houses and architectural millwork, which helps them gain valuable experience. The academy aims to equip students with industry certifications and the knowledge needed to pursue further education or enter the construction industry immediately after graduation. This program is designed to prepare students for a range of careers in construction, ensuring they have the skills and qualifications required to succeed

Bartow Engineering Career Academy
The Engineering Career Academy at Bartow High School offers students a robust curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in various engineering fields. The academy focuses on providing a strong foundation in engineering principles, including courses in robotics, aerospace technology and other engineering disciplines. Students engage in hands-on projects and use modern technology to solve real-world problems. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue higher education in engineering or enter the workforce directly after graduation. Students also have the opportunity to earn industry certifications, which can enhance their employment prospects and provide a head start in their engineering careers

Bartow Agriculture Career Academy
The Agriculture Career Academy at Bartow High School offers students a comprehensive education in agricultural sciences. This program is designed to provide hands-on learning experiences in various aspects of agriculture, including animal science, plant science and agribusiness. Students engage in practical activities such as managing school gardens, working with livestock and participating in agricultural competitions. The academy aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue further education in agricultural sciences or enter the workforce directly after graduation. Students also have the opportunity to earn industry certifications, which can enhance their employment prospects in the agriculture industry

Bartow Career Academy of Design
This academy provides students with opportunities to explore various aspects of design, including graphic design, digital media and other creative fields. The program focuses on developing students’ skills in visual communication, creativity and technical proficiency, preparing them for further education or careers in design-related industries

Polk State College Career Pathways for Public Service
Polk State College offers a Career Pathways for Public Service Initiative that includes a focus on leadership studies. This initiative is part of the broader Civic Literacy Excellence Initiative and aims to prepare students for careers in public service and government. The program includes several key courses: Public Service Leadership, which teaches how leadership is practiced and experienced in the public sector; Public Service Careers and Communication, where students explore a wide range of careers in public service and nonprofit sectors, and develop communication and debate skills; Public Service Experiential Learning and Project Management, which includes an industry certification in Project Management (PMI Project Management Ready™); and Public Service Research, where students complete a research project addressing public sector issues, culminating in a substantive research paper and presentation. These courses are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers in public service, enhancing their civic literacy and leadership capabilities.