PEF Grants and Other Services

PEF Grants

Duke Energy Grants

Polk Education Foundation received $45,000 in funding from DUKE Energy! Funding was combined with funds from the State of Florida School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program awarding 14 grants totaling $39,600. In addition, 13 teachers received professional development in the areas of Energy or Engineering Education. Along with the training, teachers also received materials to implement concepts in their classrooms. Since 2006 Duke Energy has invested over $770,000 in Polk's teachers and students. Thank you, Nancy Dodd and DUKE Energy!

School Matching Grant

Polk Education Foundation awarded $38,000 in School Matching Grants to 4 schools!

2023-2024 School Matching Grant funding received through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations as part of the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program, is open to all public and charter schools in Polk County and requires schools to solicit and acquire new funds from a private or community donor with the promise of a dollar for dollar match up to $5,000 per grant. What a great way to connect and engage community members with local schools.

Suncoast Credit Union Grant

Suncoast Credit Union is proud to invest in education in Polk County. In 2023-2024, the Suncoast Credit Union grant awarded six grants to meet any need at the school site. Four schools received funding to enhance education at their individual schools. Lakeland High School equipped the transition class with new apartment equipment to engage students as they learn how to care for themselves. George Jenkins Senior High used funds to teach to build a shared music library. Lake Gibson Senior High used funds to purchase new MAC computers to provide additional opportunities for students preparing for the TV production CTE exams. Jewett School of the Arts used funds to provide afterschool tutoring for struggling students in math and reading. Eagle Lake and Floral Avenue Elementary received funds to replenish books for their book vending machines. Thank you, Suncoast Credit Union!

Wells Fargo Financial Health Grant

2023-2024 Wells Fargo Financial Health Grant funded one $5,000 grant in Polk County through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF). The intention of the Wells Fargo grant was part of an initiative to fund financial health projects across the state. The grants from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations are part of a $60,000 investment from Wells Fargo.

Bartow Senior High’s project, Critical Thinking in Finances Beyond the Classroom, taught financial lessons that gave students an awareness and understanding of how their use of money will affect them on an ongoing and long-term basis. Students developed a solid financial understanding, upon which they can build their future. Additionally, we want students to carry their classroom lessons beyond school and into the real world. Thank you, Wells Fargo, for helping students grow in financial health.

Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways Grant

Polk Education Foundation received a grant for $22,500 as part of a two-year $500,000 grant through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations aimed at increasing student interest in healthcare careers and successful participation in high school healthcare career academies, particularly among students from underrepresented communities. Through the ‘Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways' program grant, Polk Education Foundation will help reduce barriers for students interested in the healthcare field. Funds have offset the costs of student healthcare uniforms, lab fees, and helped students participate in the state HOSA competition. One of the main goals is to increase the number of students interested in entering the healthcare profession.

CPS Investment Advisors School Grant for Greatness