Thanks a Million! The Polk Education Foundation Awards 1 Million Dollars in Scholarships for the Fir
The Polk Education Foundation is proud to announce a monumental achievement in its commitment to student success: for the first time since 1988, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to deserving Polk County Public Schools seniors graduating in 2025. This significant milestone reflects the unwavering support of the community, donors, and the Foundation’s efforts to support and uplift the leaders of tomorrow.
“Throughout my years of service on the Polk Education Foundation Board, I have seen firsthand the commitment the community has invested in Polk County Public Schools to reach new heights. Without the support of past and present Board Members, the dedication of the Foundation team and the generosity of local businesses and stakeholders, we could not have achieved this important milestone. The difference a scholarship can make in the lives of our students is impossible to quantify, dreams being fulfilled cannot be measured,” Foundation Board Chair Matt Mucci remarked of this remarkable accomplishment.
The scholarships, awarded to hundreds of talented and hardworking students, will help alleviate the financial burden of college tuition and other educational expenses. Recipients represent a diverse range of academic achievements, career aspirations, and personal circumstances, all united by their ambition to pursue higher education.
Since its inception in 1988, the Polk Education Foundation has been paramount in mobilizing community resources to benefit learning and student success in Polk County Public Schools. Through various programs, including scholarships, grants for schools, and other educational initiatives, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to enhance opportunities for students and educators alike.
This remarkable achievement of reaching the $1 million mark for scholarships highlights the growing impact of the Foundation and the generosity of its partners. Foundation Executive Director shared, “In this first year as Executive Director there have been numerous initiatives to celebrate because of the devotion of my predecessor, the late Susan Copeland. The fruits of her labor will have an unending positive rippling impact, and our world is all the better for it. It is because she worked so eloquently with, and was respected by, the Foundation Board, donors and everyone associated with Polk County Public Schools that we are able to celebrate this momentous million-dollar moment. I have beyond-mere-words gratitude to everyone who contributed to help students succeed.”
The Polk Education Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to all of the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose contributions made this historic achievement possible. Their investment in these students is an investment in the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will shape Polk County and beyond.
###
